President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the courage and jihad of Maldivian soldiers during the events of 3 November 1988 offer lasting lessons for safeguarding the country’s independence.
In a message marking Victory Day, the President extended greetings to the Maldives National Defence Force and the public. He emphasised that the sacrifices made to keep the nation free must continue to inspire efforts to protect sovereignty.
President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended the flag-raising and guard-mounting ceremony at Republic Square. Cabinet ministers and senior officials joined the event, which included a military performance commemorating the failed coup attempt.
The 1988 attack by Sri Lankan Tamil militants, aided by local collaborators, killed 19 people, including eight soldiers and 11 civilians. Maldivian forces resisted the assault, and Indian assistance under Operation Cactus helped restore order after the attackers fled by sea.
At a separate ceremony, the President conferred the November 3 Shield on five surviving members of the reconnaissance patrol that responded to the attack. The recipients were Sergeant First Class (Retd) Ibrahim Shareef, Staff Sergeant (Retd) Hussain Ali, Sergeant (Retd) Hussain Manik, Corporal (Retd) Abdullah Naseem and Lance Corporal (Retd) Abdullah Mufeed.
The MNDF also launched an album of patriotic songs during the official programme. President Muizzu, as Commander-in-Chief, addressed the nation and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the armed forces.
Victory Day is observed annually on 3 November to remember the defence of the constitutional government of then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
