Welfare of MNDF personnel and families will be improved: President

President and Commander in Chief of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that the government will give great importance to the improvement of the welfare of MNDF personnel and families.

He made this appeal while speaking at the oath taking ceremony of the graduates of the 57th basic training course, conducted by the Defence Institute for Training of MNDF.

The President said that members of MNDF provide a great range of services, and are ready to serve the nation by land, navy or air whenever necessary.

“Quite often, the actions to be taken and sacrifices to be made are much greater than we anticipate. When officers are out doing their job, the ones who give them the greatest support are their families - their parents, husbands, wives and children. When the country is faced with critical situations, officers of MNDF pay the least attention to their own families,” the President said.

President Waheed said that the country’s history shows how firmly MNDF personnel abide by their oath; and regardless of where you look, you will find signs of MNDF’s sacrifices in protecting the state, the country’s Constitution, sovereignty and independence.

He said that MNDF makes honourable sacrifices to the country, and that the only group who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of the religion and nation, since they were formed in 1892, is MNDF. He called on all personnel to abide by their oath.

“MNDF is our country’s protective shield. They are the symbol of holiness of our nation. So every child who loves God and this country should be proud of the valuable services of MNDF. You are facing the challenge of serving the nation with youthful spirits. The poor condition of the social situation of the country is obvious, it is in front of you. My advice is that all members of MNDF abide patiently and sincerely by their oath.”