President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called upon all citizens to embrace the spirit of unity to combat and resolve the most debilitating issues currently being faced by Maldivian society, such as gang violence, substance abuse and religious extremism and radicalisation. The President made this statement in his address on the occasion of this year’s National Unity Day.
The official Unity Day function was held in Vilufushi island of Thaa Atoll. President Solih also officially unveiled the tsunami monument built on the island following his arrival to Vilufushi.
In his speech, the President shed light on the costs we had to bear in recovering the losses that followed the tragedy of the tsunami 15 years ago, which included the loss of numerous lives, infrastructure, finance and disruption of basic services being provided in the country. Moreover, the President stated that it took several years of effort and hard labour to restore what was lost by the people by the different governments that came into office over the past 15 years.
Speaking in this regard, President Solih highlighted some relief efforts that were conducted and listed out some of the work ongoing on Vilufushi Island, stating that the island was redeveloped with a safe island concept following the total demolition of the island during the 2004 tsunami.
Moreover, the President spoke on the threats of climate change and the grave danger it poses, especially to low-lying island nations like the Maldives. He further elaborated on the importance of staying alert and ready to overcome any natural disasters that occur with a combined effort of the government and the people.
Every year December 26 marks the National Unity Day of Maldives. The day is marked in remembrance of the spirit of national unity and solidarity shown by the people in the immediate aftermath of the devastating 2004 tsunami. 12 years ago, on December 26, massive tsunami waves hit countries in South-East Asia Region causing death, destruction and devastation of unprecedented scale.
The Maldives, being a low lying island nation, experienced the full brunt of the tsunami, which destroyed islands, infrastructure and livelihoods.