President Dr Mohamed Muizzu marked Victory Day with a message reaffirming the Maldives’ strategic commitment to sovereignty, independence, and the prioritisation of national interests. Shared via social media, the statement cast the country’s current direction in light of historical resilience, invoking the events of 3 November 1988 as a defining moment in the defence of the nation.
“The courageous citizens who defended this nation on November 3, 1988, established that this land will always possess heroes, just like Ali Rasgefaanu, Bodu Thakurufaanu, and Dhon Bandaarain, who prioritise the nation’s sovereignty and independence and who stand ready to answer the nation’s call with heart and soul,” President Muizzu wrote.
He continued, “The hopes held by Maldivians for a prosperous and happy tomorrow will be realised by sincere individuals who prioritise the nation’s progress and interests across every sector, and who commit to serving diligently. I offer a sincere prayer that the number of such valuable citizens in this nation may increase, and I reiterate my greetings and well wishes on the occasion of Victory Day.”
The president’s remarks drew a deliberate parallel between the defenders of the 1988 assault and the nation’s foundational heroes. Both, he suggested, exemplify patriotic duty and sacrifice in the face of existential threats.
Victory Day is observed annually to commemorate the successful defence of the Maldives against a surprise attack on 3 November 1988. The incursion, which constituted a direct assault on national sovereignty, was orchestrated by seven Maldivian collaborators in coordination with foreign mercenaries.
The operation was led by rebel Abdulla Luthufee and executed with the involvement of the Sri Lanka-based militant group, the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE). Nineteen Maldivians were killed in the attack, 11 civilians and 8 members of the Maldivian military. President Muizzu described the outcome as a victory made possible by the military’s courageous resolve and the valuable Jihad undertaken in defence of the nation.
In his message, the president explicitly aligned these contemporary defenders with revered historical figures: Sultan Ali IV (Ali Rasgefaanu), Sulṭan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A’uẓam (Bodu Thakurufaanu), and Sultan al-Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin (Dhon Bandaarain). He noted that these individuals, past and present, share a defining commitment to the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives, and stand ready to respond to the nation’s call “with heart and soul”.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed commemorated Victory Day with a message honouring the sacrifices made in defence of the Maldives during the 1988 attack. In a statement shared via social media, she echoed President Muizzu’s emphasis on national sovereignty, affirming the enduring patriotism and determination of the Maldivian people.
Her message framed the date as a lasting testament to the courage and loyalty of Maldivians, both to their country and to their faith. She described 3 November as emblematic of the nation’s collective spirit and its readiness to defend core values.
"3 November bears witness to the courage and bravery of the Maldivian people. [It proves] their love and loyalty toward the nation and their religion. It affirms that determined citizens, who stand ready to sacrifice their lives and blood, will always remain upon this soil,” she wrote.
That spirit, she noted, continues to define the Maldivian people in all national endeavours. In moments of challenge and celebration alike, they present themselves as a unified and faithful collective. The first lady concluded her message with a prayer for the continued blessings of victory and fortune, and for enduring prosperity and tranquillity across the nation.
The first lady continued, “Furthermore, in every national endeavor, they demonstrate themselves to be a faithful and unified populace. I convey greetings for Victory Day while praying that victory and fortune, prosperity and tranquility, may be perpetually maintained in this nation.”