President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has presented the Grand Order of the Distinguished Rule of Ghaazee (GODRG) shield to former President Uz Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in recognition of his leadership and service during the 3rd November 1988 terrorist attack.

The award was conferred at the official Victory Day ceremony held this morning. 

The shield was presented to honour President Uz Maumoon’s guidance and valuable service as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), under whose leadership the country successfully repelled the terrorist assault. His decisive actions and strategic leadership were instrumental in thwarting the invasion and restoring national security.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the 19 Maldivians who were martyred during the 1988 attack. Their families were presented with commemorative shields in remembrance of their sacrifice.

Victory Day, marked annually on November 3, commemorates the heroism and unity of the Maldivian people in defending the nation against a coup attempt orchestrated by a group of Maldivians and Sri Lankan mercenaries. The day serves as a reminder of the nation’s resilience, the bravery of its defenders, and the importance of national solidarity in safeguarding sovereignty.