Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed has called on Maldivians to preserve the country's traditional moral values and strengthen national identity, stressing that sustainable national development must go hand in hand with building strong human values.

Speaking at the official Huravee Day ceremony, Minister Heena reflected on the historical significance of the day, commemorating the heroic resistance led by national hero Sultan al-Ghaazee Hassan Izzudhdheen, also known as Dhon Bandaarain, in defending the Maldives against Portuguese occupation.

She said the occasion offers important lessons for every Maldivian, particularly the importance of patriotism, putting national interests first and preserving the moral values inherited from previous generations.

The Minister highlighted that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's development vision is built on both infrastructure development and human capital development. She noted that the Government is pursuing a national project to revive patriotism and strengthen people's emotional connection with the nation.

She also announced that the National Respect Campaign is scheduled to be officially launched next Saturday evening.

Referring to the President's Vision 2040, Minister Heena said the ambition of transforming the Maldives into a developed nation must be supported by efforts to strengthen human values alongside infrastructure and strategic development.

She emphasised that the true benefits of national progress can only be fully realised when the people themselves are developed through strong values, national identity and a shared sense of responsibility.

The Minister further praised the Government's efforts to revive Maldivian national identity and restore traditional customs and values, describing these initiatives as essential to achieving sustainable national development.