President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided that henceforward, the annual National Awards conferred to Maldivians who have made exemplary contributions in various fields will be awarded on National Day. The decision was made on the consideration that the work and accomplishments of such individuals have had a positive impact on the country and therefore it is befitting that they should be presented accolades on the country’s National Day.

However, the National Award for Special Achievement will continue to be conferred at the official function to mark the Republic Day.

When former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom initiated the tradition of conferring the National Awards in 1979, the awards were handed out at the official function to mark the Independence Day, and this tradition was continued into subsequent administrations. National Awards were later conferred at the official function to mark the Republic Day.

The opportunity to put forward names for this year’s National Day Awards to the awards committee will be opened on June 10th. The Committee has already received names from representatives of various fields, nominating them for consideration.