A total of 94 nominations were received by the National Awards Committee for this year’s National Awards.

The committee revealed that all 94 nominations were accepted by the set deadline to forward applications.

Currently, the evaluation process for the nominees are underway.

Conferred to outstanding individuals, civil institutions, private companies and organizations for contributions to national development, the National Awards honor and recognize exceptional and continuous services towards nurturing a “healthier and more vibrant society”.

The National Awards 2020 will be presented in 33 categories determined and amended after discussions with a wide range of government offices and relevant institutions including the National Awards Committee.

All 94 nominations were made under 26 categories, revealed the President’s Office.

Presented annually, the National Awards include Awards of Recognition and Honor which applaud exceptional and prolonged services as well as recognition of continuity and exceptional services, respectively.

The 'Awards of Recognition for Outstanding Service’ was introduced in 1979 and was changed to the 'National Award for Recognition' during 2009. Since 2019, the National Awards have been presented during the Official National Day Ceremony.

The National Awards of Honor and other special achievement awards are presented at ceremonies commemorating important national events such as the Republic Day and the National Day of the Maldives.

However, the government is expected to reschedule National Day and Republic Day celebrations this year and make alternative arrangements to present the awards to their recipients, due to the ever-changing situation revolving around the global Covid-19 pandemic, which surfaced in the Maldives on March 7.