National Day Celebrations to be Held at Utheemu This Year and The Next

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced yesterday that the Maldives’ National Day celebrations will be officially held in Haa Alifu Utheemu at a national level this year and next year.

This announcement was made during his visit to Utheemu, part of his three-day tour of Haa Alifu Atoll. He remarked that this would bring focus to the island, which the previous administrations had overlooked.

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The President noted that Utheemu is historically significant as the birthplace of the three distinguished Utheemu brothers, who led the resistance against Portuguese invaders centuries ago. The palace and other historic structures where they once resided remain preserved to this day. He emphasised the importance of protecting these heritage sites and highlighted their vital role in safeguarding the nation’s identity. He assured that preserving these historical landmarks would be a priority and that all necessary measures would be taken in the national interest.

“The common procedure by every administration is to celebrate National Day once this island, but my view is different. I plan to make this a big project of this [celebration],” President Muizzu said in Dhivehi.

President Muizzu stated that the two-year project of celebrating National Day in Utheemu would promote national consciousness ideologically, charting a clear path for Utheemu’s significant role. He emphasised that Utheemu plays a crucial part in the government’s efforts to renew the nation’s identity and pass it on to future generations. The President described the island, in its entirety, as a source of pride for every citizen, with the stories in the people’s eyes, serving as integral elements of the national heritage.

The President also highlighted the critical role that Utheemu plays in the pace of the government’s development. He assured that significant efforts would be made on the island, with several infrastructure projects underway.

The President promised to work toward the development of Utheemu and expressed his hope to return to the island to celebrate this year’s National Day.

On this trip, he met with the Island Council of Utheemu, the Women’s Development Council (WDC), and institutional heads. They shared their concerns about developing the island, especially the obstacles they face in maintaining its identity while allocating land for residents. 

According to the President’s Office, President Muizzu will complete his three-day trip and return to Male tomorrow. Yesterday, he visited Dhidhdhoo, Muraidhoo, Filadhoo, and Utheemu.