On the occasion of this year’s National Day, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu today called on Maldivians not to become people who sow discord and bring humiliation upon the nation and its citizens.

In a social media post sending National Day greetings, the President said that as the sun rises on National Day, memories travel back 467 years, reviving today the memory of the struggle of the heroes who freed the Maldives from the colonial shackles of the Portuguese — known as “sea hawks” (kandu ge baaz).

“Every time the Maldives fell into the grip of foreign powers, it was through the betrayal of selfish people who did not wish the nation well. That experience must not be allowed to repeat itself,” the President said.

He called on citizens to uphold the sovereignty, independence, and identity of the nation, and to be a people who stand against the discord that brings humiliation upon the citizenry. He also urged that every Maldivian keep alive the slogan of “Nation First” in their hearts and preserve the pulse of Maldivian nationalism.

The National Day flag-raising ceremony was held this morning at Jumhooree Maidhaan (Republic Square), attended by the President and First Lady. This year’s official National Day function is scheduled to be held tomorrow morning at Utheemu in Haa Alifu Atoll.