Independence Day reception cancelled to reduce expenditure

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has decided against holding the official reception traditionally organized to commemorate Independence Day.

According to the President’s Office, the decision to cancel this year’s reception, scheduled for Independence Day on July 26, was made as part of ongoing efforts by the administration to reduce state expenditure.

However, the President’s Office noted that the official Independence Day ceremony will be held at 9:00am on July 26 at the Social Centre, during which the President is scheduled to deliver a national address.

Upon assuming office, President Muizzu introduced several fiscal austerity measures for 2024, citing the country’s economic and financial circumstances. These measures included reducing the number of political appointees and opting against large-scale Independence Day celebrations during his first year in office.

However, the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence was subsequently marked with large-scale celebrations last year, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest.

On July 1, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed stated that MVR 4.1 million was spent on the diamond jubilee celebrations marking the 60th independence anniversary.

The announcement of further cost-cutting measures comes as the Maldives faces significant financial obligations, including USD 1.1 billion in debt repayments due this year. International financial institutions have also urged the government since last year to implement stricter expenditure controls.