MNDF Marks 134th Anniversary with Nationwide Flag-Hoisting Ceremonies

Special flag hoisting ceremonies were held nationwide yesterday to mark the 134th anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), commemorating a military tradition that dates back to 21 April, 1892, when formal military service was established in the Maldives.

The main ceremony took place at Kalhuthukkalaakoshi at 6:00 a.m., and was attended by the Defence Minister Hassan Rashid.

During the event, the minister unveiled this year’s theme, “Military Discipline – The Progress of Soldiers,” highlighting the importance of discipline in strengthening the armed forces.

ދިވެހި ސިފައިންގެ 134 އަހަރުގެ ޚިދުމަތްތެރީންގެ ލިސްޓު ރަންއަކުރުން ފަވައިދީފައިވަނީ ޝަހީދުންނާއި، މުޖާހިދުންނާއި، ނުރައްކަލުން ރައްޔިތުން ސަލާމަތްކޮށްދިން ހިތްވަރުގަދަ އެތައް ދަރީންނެއް. ދިވެހި ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޙިމާޔަތާއި ރައްކާތެރިކަމަށް ރުކުރުވާލާފައިވާ އެންމެ ބިޔަ އެންމެ ޤާބިލް… pic.twitter.com/ZCOh6KHRr8

— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) April 21, 2026

Senior leadership of the MNDF was present, including Chief of Defence Force Ibrahim Hilmy, Vice Chief of Defence Force Ahmed Ghiyas, and Sergeant Major Adnan Ali, along with general officers, warrant officers, and personnel of various ranks.

The ceremony concluded with a special prayer and the MNDF song. 

In a message marking the occasion, President Mohamed Muizzu said the 134-year history of the Maldivian military has been shaped by the sacrifices of martyrs and generations of service personnel who have protected citizens from harm. He described the military as the country’s largest and most capable force dedicated to national security and public safety.

The President also expressed gratitude for the service of military personnel, extending greetings to soldiers and their families on the occasion.