President inaugurates Victory Day Exhibition

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday inaugurated the 'Nasruge Dhuvahuge Sifainge Maurazu 2024' – an annual Victory Day Exhibition organized by the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) to commemorate Maldives’ success in defeating the attack of November 3, 1988 – the deadliest terror attack in the country’s history.

This year’s Victory Day Exhibition was inaugurated during a ceremony held on Sunday morning at the National Art Gallery.

Following the inauguration, President Muizzu toured the exhibition, which showcases the damages caused by the attack, and highlights the bravery displayed by the armed forces in achieving victory that day.

One of the main objectives of the exhibition is to educate the current generation about Victory Day. It features over 200 displays, and unlike previous years, it includes, alongside photographs, original weapons and items used during Victory Day for public viewing.

The exhibition will remain open at the National Art Gallery until November 9. It will be open for public viewing from 09:00 am to 12:00 pm, from 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm, and from 08:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

First Lady Sajida Mohamed and Vice President Hussein Mohamed Latheef, along with senior military officials, cabinet ministers, and senior government officials, also attended the inauguration ceremony.

This year's Victory Day celebrations began with Fajr prayers held in congregation at the Islamic Center.

Subsequently, the President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha attended the flag and guard mounting ceremony at the Victory Day Monument.

The foiled attack of November 3, 1988, was orchestrated by a group of Maldivians with the aid of armed mercenaries from Tamil secessionist organization People's Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), in an attempt to overthrow then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration.

The attack killed 19 Maldivian citizens - eight soldiers and 11 civilians - and left scores more injured.

It is commemorated in the Maldives as Victory Day.