President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared National Awards would be conferred on the National Day, from this year onwards. The decision was made after reviewing the fact the National Awards honour services rendered to the country by various individuals in varying respects and therefore the most opportune occasion to celebrate the achievements would be the National Day, according to the President's Office.
President's Office said the change applies only to the National Awards. Moreover, awards conferred by the president on those who achieve highest results in examinations and the Special Awards conferred by the president would be given on Republic Day.
In 1979, then President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom inaugurated the National Awards, which were conferred on Independence Day, every year. However, later on National Awards were conferred on Republic Day.
This year, the nominations for National Awards would be opened on June 10.