President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for the Maldives to break free from the burden of debt and achieve economic independence, drawing a parallel with the nation's liberation from subjugation by arms.
He made the remarks while addressing the official Victory Day ceremony held at Republic Square last night.
The President paid tribute to the martyrs who defended the nation on 3 November 1988, honouring their sacrifices. He noted that, throughout Maldivian history, martyrs had placed the homeland above personal interests, prioritising national independence, peace and security, as well as the country's future development and progress.
Reflecting on historical events, the President said the Portuguese and Malabar attacks, the Bodu Hulhu incident and the aggression of 3 November were preceded by circumstances in which Maldivians had become consumed by greed for power. He stressed that betraying one's country leads to misfortune, while loyalty brings prosperity.
Noting that 38 years had passed since the 1988 aggression, with two new generations having grown up without witnessing the events, the President said the nation's responsibilities towards young people included safeguarding national independence, achieving economic self-sufficiency and ensuring lasting sovereignty.
The President stressed that economic independence is fundamental to building a self-sufficient, prosperous and happy society. He added that a nation's language, religion and way of life can be protected only when underpinned by an economy that does not compel the country to depend on others. He highlighted the Government's efforts to steer the Maldives away from the threat of bankruptcy, end irresponsible monetary expansion and repay State debt.
The President said foreign military personnel had been withdrawn from the Maldives, international efforts to recover lost maritime territory had commenced, and the military capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Force were being strengthened rapidly.
He added that transformative reforms to the nation's finances were necessary to safeguard its nationhood, independence and sovereignty. He pledged to build a prosperous and self-sufficient State, giving equal priority to spiritual and material development.
Highlighting the National Service Programme, established to nurture a generation of young people with a strong national outlook, the President noted that more than 1,000 young people had undergone training, with many having entered the workforce.
Concluding his address, the President said his decisions would be guided by the aim of revitalising Maldivian national values and safeguarding the Maldives' 100 per cent Islamic identity and independence.
He called on the nation to place national loyalty and the collective good above political sentiments and personal interests, and to work together towards a debt-free, self-sufficient and prosperous future.