The 'President's National Award for Special Achievement’ and President’s ‘Special Awards’ have been slated for December 26, a Saturday.

The President’s Office revealed that the ceremony will be held at the Republic Square in the Maldives capital, Malé City and will begin at 8:30pm. This year’s awards will be conferred during the National Day celebrations.

Organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ceremony will see preparations conducted in accordance with the safety guidelines and instructions set by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Covid-19 safety precautions will be implemented during the ceremony, and the number of invitees to this year’s ceremony has also been reduced under the instructions of the public health authority.

The 'President's National Award for Special Achievement’ will be conferred in four categories with the exclusion of a new category in line with a statement made by the president during his Republic Day address of 2019.

Individuals who have performed exceptionally well in the field of higher education and training are eligible for the first category whereas the second category is for those who excelled in an international competition or exhibition.

Individuals who have created innovative and effective solutions to persistent national issues through research, are eligible for the awards under the third category.

The fourth category is for those who have completed education certificates equivalent to MQA ranking levels of 7, 8, 9 and 10 with the highest-grade point, revealed the President’s Office.

The new category is for creative and innovative efforts recognized to have had a positive impact on national progress. Those between 18 – 35 years of age are eligible for this award.