Minister of Arts, Culture & Heritage, Yumna Maumoon has called for the expansion of efforts taken to develop local poetry. She urged that there needs to opportunities to portray the skills of Maldivian poetry on an international level.

The Minister said this on an address given for the occasion of the 30th National Poet's Day.

She said that Maldivian poetry is a significant literary heritage and that the century-old oral tradition of poetry is still alive and well in the country. The Minister noted that there are actual historical events embedded in forms of Maldivian poetry such as the unique stanzas of Raivaru (sung poetry), Badhi and Kaa, lhen and Ambaa as well as songs have passed through generations. She said therefore, that conserving and protecting each and every one of these literary heritage is of utmost value to Maldivians.

Minister Yumna also conveyed greetings to local poets on this day and noted that the works of Maldivian poets in reviving the oral tradition needs to be well-recognized.

The First National Poet's Day was celebrated on 1989 and honored influential Maldivian literary figure, Honorable Al-Usthaaz Ibrahim Shihab. The official event celebrating National Poet's Day is to be held on the 19 January 2019. The official island chosen for Poet's Day celebrations in Inguraidhoo at Raa Atoll.