President Dr Mohamed Muizzu conferred the National Award for Public Service on 66 long-serving public servants during the official ceremony commemorating the Maldives' 61st Independence Day.

The recipients were recognised for serving the State for more than 41 years. As part of the award, they received a badge of honour, a commemorative shield and a commemorative certificate.

The award was presented to long-serving public servants who had not previously received national recognition. Following a decision by President Dr Muizzu, the President's Office compiled the recipients' service records and submitted them to the National Awards Committee for review.

The committee examined the records, met with the nominees, and identified those who fulfilled the eligibility criteria for the National Award for Public Service.