President Muizzu Leads National Day Flag-Raising Ceremonies Across the Maldives

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed led the nation in commemorating National Day with a flag-raising ceremony held at Republic Square today. The event, which began at 6:00 am, serves as the inaugural activity in a series of celebrations honoring the Maldives' liberation from Portuguese rule. Upon his arrival at the square, the President was received by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Heena Waleed, and the Minister of Defence and National Service, Hassan Rasheed. The high-profile gathering included the Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice, and various Cabinet ministers and senior government officials. While the primary ceremony took place in the capital, flag-raising events were held simultaneously in Male' and across various islands, unifying the archipelago in national pride. A special prayer for the occasion was led by Fazeelath Sheikh Izzuddin Adhunan, the Director General of Zakat at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments. National Day holds deep historical significance, marking the victory of Sultan Ghazi Mohamed Thakurufaanu Al Auzam, who liberated the Maldives from Portuguese colonization. The date is traditionally observed on the first day of Rabi' al-Awwal in the Hijri calendar. To further commemorate the occasion, the government has organized several activities, culminating in the official National Day ceremony in Utheemu, Haa Alif. Utheemu, the birthplace of the national hero Mohamed Thakurufaanu, will host the presentation of the National Honour Award and the National Award of Recognition for Courage, recognizing exceptional contributions and bravery.