President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed have arrived in Utheemu, Haa Alif Atoll, to participate in official events marking National Day.
Upon their arrival in Utheemu, the President and First Lady received a warm welcome from the island community.
During the visit, President Muizzu will attend the official National Day ceremony. At the ceremony, he will present the National Award of Honour and the National Award of Recognition.
This year, the National Award of Honour is being presented to three individuals and one association. The National Award of Recognition is being awarded to seven individuals and one company. In addition, the National Award for Service has been decided in memory of one individual.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. today.
As part of his visit, President Muizzu will inaugurate the “Boduthakurufaanu Handhaanee Dhoruashi” in Utheemu. He will also unveil an exhibition commemorating Bodu Thakurufaanu's national jihad.
National Day activities in Utheemu began yesterday morning, with a flag-raising ceremony held on the island. A traditional fireworks display ceremony was also held in Utheemu last night.
The National Day commemorates the Maldives’ independence from Portuguese rule. The Maldives gained independence from Portuguese rule in 1573, following the resistance movement led by Sultan Al-Ghazi Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-A’uzam and five others. The independence is said to have been achieved on 1 Rabi’ul Awwal.