Maldives celebrates Independence Day on Monday July 26, marking the 45th anniversary of the country’s independence from Britain.

All events are scheduled to commence following a special prayer conducted after the dawn prayer.

6:00am: The national flag will be hoisted across all the islands of the Maldives. President Mohamed Nasheed will hoist the national flag in Male’. President Mohamed Nasheed will address the nation.

7:00am: Watersports

8:00am: Opening ceremony of Velaanaage Office, presidential residence of former President Ibrahim Nasir, which will house all government offices under one roof.

9:00am: Launching of the National Museum.

10:00am: Opening ceremony of the new Defence Building. The ceremony will be honoured by the father of Martyr Hussein Adam, who defended the gates of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) base during the 1988 November 3 coup by Sri Lankan secessionists, the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE).

11:00am: launching of the Correctional Training Centre for Children at Feydhufinolhu, by President Mohamed Nasheed and First Lady Laila Ali.

14:00pm: Opening ceremony of the Police Building, by President Moahmed Nasheed and First Lady Laila Ali.

17:00pm: Parade and guard of honour for Preisdent Mohamed Nasheed and First Lady Laila Ali.

20:30pm: Music Show at Alimas Carnival Stage, attended by filmstar Moosa ‘Chilhiya’ Maniku.

8:30am: Launching ceremony of the MNDF Training Wing at Girifushi, a military island. President and First Lady will attend the event.

10:00am: Launching ceremony of Hulhumale’ hospital’s ICU.

14:00pm: Program to reduce the numbers of crows and bats will be held at Holhudhoo in Noonu Atoll.

20:00pm: A special function conducted by the President and First Lady at Dharubaaruge.

20:30pm: Music Show at Alimas Carnival Stage.