Nominations for this year’s national awards, will be opened next week.

This was announced by the President’s Office on Thursday.

The National Awards Committee has announced that nominations for the national awards will be opened on April 23.

Relevant ministries have been requested to give their comments on the areas in which the awards are presently conferred.

Two additional categories have been added to the national awards, the first one recognizes outstanding contributions to promote the elements and ideals of the country’s nationhood.

The committee will also consider the efforts made by individuals and organizations for the progress of the elements, ideals, and values of Maldivian nationhood within the framework of the Islamic Maldivian identity, with a commitment to promote and uphold core Maldivian principles and promote nation-building, the betterment of civic, community, and citizens’ affairs, thought leadership, science and technology, and the arts and creative industries of the Maldives.

The second category recognizes exceptional, long-standing services rendered in multiple fields of skill and competence.

The National Award of Honor and the National Award of Recognition are conferred as National Awards and recipients are conferred commemorative shields, badges, and a certificate by the president for the National Award of Honor. National Award of Recognition recipients will be presented with commemorative plaques and certificates by the president.

Tasked with selecting the recipients of the National Awards, the National Awards Committee also has the responsibility of vetting and selecting recipients of the President's Award for Special Achievement.

National Awards will be conferred this year during an official celebration commemorating National Day.