Maamigili Constitution MP & Leader of Jumhooree Party, Qasim Ibrahim, has stated that the Maldives would have suffered greatly if not for the British protectorate.

Qasim made the statement while speaking at the Parliament session to offer condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Qasim said that the Maldives would have been vulnerable to foreign forces during the Second World War if the nation had not been under a protectorate by the British. He went on to say that under Queen Elizabeth II, the Great Britain provided support and aid to the Maldives on various levels.

"Our first hospital, and the government hospital as well, was built under British aid. Even the first crane the Maldives got was through British aid. In fact, we received the first two cranes in the Maldives as a grant from the Queen. In addition to this, she also granted us the Golden Ray and Siver Crest as well", Qasim said.

He further added that the Great Britain had provided multiple scholarship opportunities to Maldives through Commonwealth.

Leaders of all the political parties offered condolences at the Parliament today. The Parliament also observed moment of silence on Monday.

The late Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday, aged 96.