President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom called on all citizens to remember and learn from the spirit of national unity and solidarity shown by the people of Maldives in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami 11 years ago. He also urged the nation to not allow outsiders to disrupt our solidarity. The President made the statement in his address to the nation, to mark this year’s Unity Day.
The President’s message reads as follows:
On the occasion of National Unity Day, I wish to extend warm greetings and good wishes to all the people of the Maldives.
We are marking the National Unity Day in remembrance of the spirit of national unity and solidarity shown by the people of Maldives in the immediate aftermath of the 2004 tsunami which was the most tragic, and the largest, national calamity faced by the Maldives in recent history.
Even though thoughts of that tragic day still brings back bitter memories and unhappy thoughts, as so many of us lost loved ones to the disaster, what is remarkable is the solidarity, love and compassion that was displayed by Maldivians during such a catastrophic national calamity. The most important lesson learnt from those tragic events, is to put forth the needs of the nation and that of society over one’s own. That was the epitome of patriotism and national unity and we should reaffirm this; making it our resolution for National Unity Day.