President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed attended the cultural festivities held this evening at the National Stadium in celebration of Maldives’ 54th anniversary of independence. Vice President Faisal Naseem and his Spouse Aishath Shamsada were also in attendance at the festivities.

Upon arrival, the President and First Lady were cordially received by the Minister of Home Affairs, Sheikh Imran Abdulla and greeted with a presidential salute by the Maldives National Defense Force. The presidential salute was followed by the National Anthem, performed by a combined ensemble orchestra comprising of members from different School Bands and the Maldives National Defense Force. The Armed Forces Guard and a collective squad from Maldives’ schools then trooped past the Presidential Stand and venerated the President with another presidential salute.

The Independence Day celebrations included cultural and musical performances by several schools, including Falaah Pre School, Dharumavantha School, Muhyiddin School, Iskandaru School, Rehendhi School, Villa International School. The Maldives National Defence Force also performed during the processions.