President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared 28 July, as a Government holiday to extend this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
As this year marks the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence, several activities are scheduled to take place in celebration of Independence Day marked on 26 July.
In addition to the events scheduled for 27 July, the programme also includes significant activities for the following 28 July prompting the President to declare an additional government holiday, the President’s Office explained.
The government is gearing up for a grand celebration of Maldives’ 60th anniversary of independence next month.
Some of the planned activities include, sharing relevant historical information and facts along with a host of other events, he said, adding that the public can expect the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) military parade and the much anticipated iconic float procession in the capital Male’.
Other activities initiated by the Ministry of Dhivehi Language and Culture include a short film festival in collaboration with the Maldives National Center for the Arts (NCA), a photography competition open to the public.
The Ministry meanwhile has invited applications for the design of a special logo for the 60th Independence Day.
Independence Day, celebrated annually on July 26, marks the day in 1965 when the Maldives gained independence from British colonial rule, which had begun in 1887.
Last year, the government had avoided a grand celebration by scrapping the Independence Day float procession and other festivities as part of the austerity measures taken to cut down on government expenditure.