MNDF Commemorates 131st Anniversary of The Armed Forces

On Tuesday, a special reception was held at Kalhuthuhkala Koshi to mark the 131^st anniversary of the armed forces of the Maldives. The function was attended by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed. They were joined by Minister of Defence, Mariya Ahmed Didi, Chief of Defence Forces, Major Abdulla Shamal and other senior officers of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

During the ceremony, the President conferred medals to four retired generals and several other servicemen and servicewomen in recognition of their commendable service to the armed forces. The President also noted that positive changes to the wage framework and allowances of armed forces are underway, once the administration’s efforts to harmonise pay are completed. Likewise, he shared the administration’s plans to provide housing for armed forces as well.

Speaking further, President Solih said that the armed forces have the highest national and individual responsibility to protect and maintain peace, stability and harmony within the country. Reflecting on how the armed forces have continued to uphold the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives, he stated that the only way to ensure the Maldives' continued independence and sovereignty is to safeguard and promote regional and international security.

In addition to this, the President also highlighted the numerous advancements and accomplishments achieved by the MNDF over the past few years. He acknowledged that the armed forces now have highly educated and capable servicemen and servicewomen who have received military training and skills. In this way, the President emphasized the MDNF’s crucial role in protecting the nation from air, land and sea threats. He also stated that the government is acquiring advanced weapon-firing simulators and anti-drone systems and is planning to develop the Coastguard and Fire and Rescue Services.