President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on the public to uphold their duty to preserve and transmit the nation’s heritage, including its religion, language, traditions, and historical legacy, as a trust to future generations. His remarks, delivered in observance of National Heritage Day, affirmed that safeguarding these foundations is essential to the survival of the Maldivian nation.
National Heritage Day, commemorated annually on 12 September, marks the ratification of the Maldives’ first Heritage Law in 2019. This year’s occasion was marked by messages from both President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, each highlighting the role of cultural preservation in sustaining the country’s identity.
In his statement, the president described the safeguarding of heritage as a solemn obligation. He identified Islam, the Dhivehi language, traditional customs, indigenous craftsmanship, archaeological sites and artefacts, and the nation’s historical narrative as the most treasured components of Maldivian heritage. These elements, he stated, must be passed on as a national trust.
Since taking office, President Muizzu has placed heritage protection at the centre of his administration’s agenda. The government has developed strategic plans to honour and maintain cultural assets, while also establishing funding mechanisms to support long-term preservation.
Among the initiatives launched is a dedicated project in Haa Alifu Atoll, designed to protect heritage sites and generate income through their responsible use. The administration has also inaugurated a National Heritage College to advance research and education in the field. This effort is complemented by the establishment of a National Centre for Heritage Studies, tasked with investigating the origins and historical trajectory of the Maldivian people, compiling data, and cultivating expertise in heritage-related disciplines. Educational pathways in heritage studies have been expanded to support professional development.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed echoed the president’s message with a call to instil cultural values in the younger generation. She characterised Maldivians as a people rooted in discipline, industriousness, and moral integrity, and highlighted the importance of transmitting these qualities to children.
Her remarks described the national character as one defined by diligence, energy, and friendliness, attributes she deemed essential to the country’s identity. She affirmed that national heritage sites, the Dhivehi language, and the cultural traditions inherited from Maldivian forebears represent a sacred trust.
Heritage, she noted, encompasses both tangible and intangible expressions of nationhood. Its careful transmission, she concluded, is vital to preserving the Maldives’ unique identity for generations to come.