While the 2020 National Awards are to be conferred at the National Unity Day ceremony tonight, the President's Office on Friday announced details of this year's winners.

The winners were selected by the National Awards Committee put together by the president.

The President's Office announced that 14 winners for the National Award of Honor, 24 winners for the National Award of Recognition and 20 winners for the President's National Award for Special Achievement would be honored at the National Unity Day event on Saturday night; six of the 14 winners of the National Award of Honour had won the National Award of Recognition in previous years.

The Special Achievement Awards were selected by a separate committee established by the President for the task. Of the 20 winners, 13 had achieved the highest rank at their course at their higher education institute, one had achieved exceptional distinction in completing their education at MQA Rank 10, and six individuals had achieved the highest position in an international competition or exhibition.

Additionally, the president will present special medals to four citizens who have memorized the Holy Quran while attaining the highest grade.

Saturday's ceremony will see President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih address the nation, with Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla set to speak regarding National Unity Day, as well as a moment of silence in remembrance of those who were lost or had lost their lives in the 2004 tsunami.

While the 26th of December 16 years ago saw the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami devastate the Maldives, the day is being annually marked as the National Unity Day due to the exemplary unity shown by the people during the tragic situation.