The Maldives government has announced it will not be holding Independence Day festivities this year.

The Maldives celebrates its Independence Day on July 26 every year. The President’s Office said President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided that no Independence Day celebrations will be held this year, including the official assembly, sport festivities and other activities typically held on the occasion of Independence Day in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was made after consulting with the ministers of his cabinet, the President’s Office said.

The President made this decision in adherence to ‘new normal’ guidelines developed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19’s further spread. Not holding the celebrations this year will also help reduce state expenditure, as part of the Government’s ongoing recovery efforts from the economic repercussions of the pandemic, said the President’s Office.

Despite this decision, the President will address the nation to deliver remarks on the occasion of Independence Day, at 1000hrs on Sunday, 26th July 2020.

During cabinet discussions, President Solih also discussed the arrangements in place to hand out this year's National Award of Honour and National Award of Recognition, and sought the advice of his cabinet. These awards will be handed out during this year’s official National Day celebration ceremony, which will fall on October18th this year. Special Achievement Awards will be given to recipients during this year’s official Republic Day ceremony.

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