President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed have attended National Day celebrations in Utheemu, Haa Alifu Atoll, the birth island of Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam, who with his brothers and companions fought an eight-year-long war to drive out the Portuguese invaders in 1573.
The celebrations began with a special banquet for President Solih and First Lady Fazna at the Utheemu Palace. They attended the banquet wearing traditional attire and watched traditional performances by the citizens of Utheemu and Vashafaru, Haa Alifu Atoll. The performances depicted the childhood, youth, and victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu over the invaders.
In a tweet posted commemorating the National Day of the Maldives, President Solih stated all citizens must always strive to revive nationalism and learn from the examples of national heroes and that all citizens should be determined to always move forward with the country.