Independence Day parade postponed, vehicle ban notice cancelled

The government of Maldives has postponed the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldivian National Cadet Corp (MNCC)'s special parade initially scheduled to be held today on the occasion of the country's 59th Independence Day, due to bad weather.

While the postponement is indefinite with no rescheduled date announced as of yet, the event was originally planned to be held from 16:00 hrs to 18:00 in Malé. During this time, all motor vehicles were not allowed to be operated on Malé roads. However, with the event postponed, this decision has been withdrawn.

The government previously also announced that in light of the current economic situation of the country, Independence Day activities will not be held this year.

As such, only the official Independence Day ceremony will be held this year, which will take place tonight at the Social Centre in Malé City. The government assured that the event's expenses will also prioritise cost cutting measures.

The highlight of the ceremony will be the presentation of long service awards to 138 recipients this year. The award is given to government employees who have served the state for more than 35 years with competency and sincerity towards developing the institution they worked for.

This year, the award's winners were selected by a special committee appointed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.