President Dr Mohamed Waheed has this evening presented the National Award of Honour and the National Award of Recognition. The awards were given at the official function held at Dharubaaruge, to mark this year’s Republic Day.

Recipients of the National Award of Honour received a shield of honour, a badge of honour and a commemorative plaque, while the recipients of the National Award of Recognition received a commemorative plaque and a certificate.

Three individuals received National Award of Honour this year; Sheikh Usmaan Abdulla Umree for his contribution in the area of religious awareness and religious education, Mr Adam Ali for his contribution in the area of traditional medicine, and Mr Abdulla Mohamed for his contribution in the area of construction and architecture. The three recipients were escorted by the Maldives National Defence Force.

The 19 recipients of the National Award of Recognition are:

- Mr Adam Zahir in the area of Dhivehi literature (Development of Dhivehi literature and Research of Dhivehi Language).

- Mr Adam Naseer Ibrahim in the area of Dhivehi literature (Dhivehi Poetry).

- Mr Hassan Thawfeeq in the area of Dhivehi Customs and Culture (Cultural games).

- Dr Aishath Ali Naaz in the area of Medicine (Psychology).

- Mr Hussain Zinaan in the area of Health (Exercise and Physical Fitness).

- Mr Mohamed Nasheed in the area of Tourism (Tourism Promotion).

- Mr Hussain Rameez Ibrahim in the area of Social Services (Humanitarian Service).

- Mr Mohamed Majid in the area of Small and Medium Enterprises.

- Mr Mohamed Yoosuf in the area of Boat Building (Carpentry and Design).

- Mr Ibrahim Zubair in the area of Arts and Crafts (Lacquer Work).

- Captain Ahmed Zubair in the area of Maritime and Seafaring services.

- Mr Masood Ali in the area of Information and News Dissemination (Presentation).

- Mr Ismail Naseer in the area of Information and News Dissemination (Journalism).

- Ms Aminath Haleem in the area of Sports (Professional Athlete).

- Mr Mohamed Riyaz in the area of Sports (Technical Service and Sports Development).

- Mr Ahmed Suwaib in the area of Visual Arts (Illustration).

- Mr Hassan Maniku in the area of Performing Arts (Acting in Feature Film and Drama).

- Staff Sergeant Hussain Ali in the area of Performing Arts (Singing).

- Mr Ibrahim Ali in the area of Applied Arts (Fashion Designing and Decorative Arts).

In his speech, President Dr Mohamed Waheed extended his congratulations and warm wishes to all the recipients of National Awards.

Dr Aishath Ali Naaz, who received the National Award of Recognition in the area of Psychological Medicine, and the National Award for Special Achievement, spoke on behalf of recipients of the awards.