The official celebrations for the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day have been held.
The celebrations were held at Republic Square, with His Royal Highness Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of State, and Member of the Cabinet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the guest of honour. He was received by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed upon his arrival at Izzuddin Jetty.
The celebrations commenced with a Presidential Salute accorded to the President, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. This was followed by a ceremonial march-past by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and contingents of the Maldives National Cadet Corps (MNCC) representing 15 schools, during which the marching contingents paid the Presidential Salute.
The programme also featured performances by students from Shaheed Ali School, Rehendhi School and Iskandhar School, alongside displays by the MNDF and the Heyvalla Cultural Troupe. The celebrations concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
The Maldives’ Independence Day is celebrated on 26 July every year. The day commemorates the Maldives’ independence from British rule, which was achieved on 26 July, 1965.