Gayoom snubs independence day ceremonies
Gayoom, who is locked in a bitter power struggle for control of the PPM with his half-brother President Abdulla Yameen, was notably absent from the midnight flag-hoisting ceremony as well as last night’s official reception hosted by the first couple.
27 Jul 2016, 9:00 AM
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the leader of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives, snubbed invitations to attend Tuesday’s official ceremonies held to mark Independence Day.
Gayoom, who is locked in a bitter power struggle for control of the PPM with his half-brother President Abdulla Yameen, was notably absent from the midnight flag-hoisting ceremony as well as last night’s official reception hosted by the first couple.
At last year’s Independence Day ceremony, Yameen had presented a ‘Golden Jubilee Shield of Honour’ to the elder Gayoom in recognition of his efforts to maintain independence.
Unlike previous years, a foreign head of state was also absent from this year’s ceremony. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Srisena was last year’s chief guest.
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