The President’s Office conducted the fourth lecture of the Executive Development Programme (EDP) 2025–2027 this afternoon at the Islamic Centre’s conference hall. The session drew a large audience comprising participants from various Government ministries and institutions.
The lecture was delivered by Sheikh Dr Ilyas Hussain, focusing on four key themes: the virtues of Ramadan, the importance of fulfilling responsibilities with integrity, maximising the spiritual benefits of the holy month, and reforming personal conduct and interpersonal relations.
Dr Ilyas highlighted the mercy and forgiveness associated with Ramadan and underscored that the ultimate objective of fasting is the attainment of Taqwa (piety). He emphasised that fasting should be observed with sincerity and discipline beyond physical abstinence. Noting that the Holy Quran was revealed during Ramadan, he encouraged increased recitation of the Quran and greater engagement in Tahajjud prayers throughout the month.
Concluding his address, the Sheikh stressed that sincerity, integrity and honesty are essential for the acceptance of good deeds, noting that consistent righteous conduct during Ramadan lays the foundation for positive behaviour throughout the rest of the year.
At the conclusion of the session, a commemorative certificate was presented to Dr Ilyas by Ibrahim Latheef, National Security Advisor at the President’s Office.
The EDP is an initiative led by the Political Appointees Performance Management (PAPM) Unit at the Political Affairs Office (PAO), in collaboration with the Civil Service Training Institute (CSTI) and the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives (FOSIM), and will be conducted over a two-year period.
