The First Couple of Maldives has concluded their official visit to Kolhufushi Island of Meemu Atoli.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed, visited the island to attend activities held to mark National Unity Day, on Monday morning.

During his trip to the island, President Solih unveiled a monument raised in memory of the lives lost in the tragic incident 18 years ago.

The President and the First Lady also attended the official function held to mark Unity Day and joined hands with the island's residents in a show of unity and solidarity, remembering the devastation and lives lost in the 2004 tragedy.

Speaking at the official function held to mark National Unity Day, President Solih stated that he essayed daily to promote unity in the nation and solidarity among the people.

The President recalled the time when he took office as a period of division, strife, and chaos, and one where political actors were actively destroying our unity, peace, and harmony.

After assuming office, the President described his primary responsibility was efforts to promote unity, bring the people together, and rekindle the familial and societal bonds.

Reflecting on his efforts to promote justice, peace, and harmony, the President underscored his efforts to ensure equitable development for all.

President Solih also remembered the devastation and lives lost in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. He also recalled the unity and solidarity showcased following the destruction and loss of life and highlighted the efforts of the security and law enforcement agencies in their response to the disaster.

The President also shared his personal experience of that tragic day, at times unable to speak due to emotion and grief.

At the function, the President was presented with a model of the tsunami monument unveiled on the island. The memorial was raised in memory of the 16 lives lost in Kolhufushi Island in the tragedy.

First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials of government offices and institutions joined the island’s community at the function.

The visit also saw President Solih meeting with the Island Council and Women's Development Committee (WDC) members.

During the meeting, members of Kolhufushi Island Council noted that the administration has successfully fulfilled essential services on the island and highlighted that this administration had initiated most of the developmental projects on the island.

They noted that the ongoing project to develop 100 housing units in the island would address most of the community's concerns.

The council members also shared with the President the need for road construction, the development of the football ground and community center, and arranging easy travel to Muli Island across a lagoon.

Speaking with the community leaders, President Solih stated that the administration prioritized consulting with community leaders and residents to improve their engagement and inquire about their sentiments towards its developmental plans.

Additionally, President Solih briefed the council members on the administration's developmental plans for Kolhufushi Island, including projects earmarked for next year and updates on efforts to develop tourism in the region. He also informed them of the administration's plans to expedite the ongoing housing project.

President Solih also extended his gratitude for the warm welcome he and the First Lady were accorded upon their arrival in the island.

The National Unity Day is marked on December 26 every year to celebrate the strong unity displayed following the devastation caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and remember the lives lost on that fateful day.

The First Couple concluded their official visit to Kolhufushi Island and returned to Malé City, on Monday evening.