Former President Maumoon Honoured with Grand Order of the Distinguished Rule of Ghaazee on Victory Day

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu presented a special commemorative shield to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, recipient of the Grand Order of the Distinguished Rule of Ghaazee (GODRG) and awarded shields to the families of the martyrs who lost their lives during the 3 November 1988 attack. 

The presentations took place during the official Victory Day Ceremony this morning at the Social Centre in Male’.

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According to the President’s Office, the initiative recognises the courage and leadership of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and honours the heroism and sacrifice of the martyrs and their families on that historic day. Victory Day commemorates the 1988 terrorist attack on the Maldives, when 19 Maldivians—including eight MNDF officers and 11 civilians—were killed by a group of Maldivians collaborating with Sri Lankan Tamils. This attack happened ten years after Maumoon assumed office in 1978. 

President Dr @MMuizzu presents a commemorative shield to Former President Uz @maumoonagayoom (GODRG) in recognition of his leadership and contributions during the armed aggression of 3 November 1988. The presentation took place during the official Victory Day ceremony. pic.twitter.com/5W0EDccWvg— The President's Office (@presidencymv) November 3, 2025

President Muizzu, addressing the ceremony, highlighted the role of past national heroes in securing the country’s freedoms. He referred to figures such as Bodu Thakurufaanu, who led the Maldives to independence from Portuguese rule in the 1500s, urging citizens to prioritise the nation’s interests over personal gains.

The President also noted strong public support for the National Service programme, introduced earlier this year. He said 1,000 Maldivians will be trained under the programme in 2025, with the same number of participants added annually in the future.

The Victory Day commemorations began with Fajr prayers held in congregation and included a flag hoisting and guard mounting ceremony at the Victory Day Monument. President Muizzu, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed were joined by Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Cabinet Ministers, and senior government officials. Upon arrival, they were received by Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon.

The ceremony also featured addresses to the nation by President Muizzu and Minister Ghassan Maumoon, marking a solemn tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who defended the Maldives.