Independence of Maldives
Ceylon | |
Ratified | July 26, 1965 |
---|---|
Signatories | |
Language | English |
The
In accordance with the broader British policy of
The British expelled the Dutch from Ceylon and included the Maldives as a nominal British protectorate in 1796.[1] During the reign of Queen Victoria in 1887, Maldivian King, Muhammad Mueenuddeen II officially accepted British protectorate in the Maldives.[1][2] While the Maldives was a British protectorate, the Maldivian Sultan's powers were taken over by the Chief Minister and the prime minister.
Independence
On July 26, 1965, the Maldives achieved independence through an agreement signed with the United Kingdom, The Sultanate of the Maldive Islands gained independence from British colonial rule on July 26, 1965. The agreement was signed in the morning of July 26, 1965 at Colombo in Sri Lanka
The agreement was reached following discussions between the Maldives' representative in the Dominion of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi, and Sir Humphrey Arthington-Davy, the British representative. [3][4]
The Maldives was under the protection of the
The British later proposed an independence agreement, prompting President Nasir to liaise with his envoy in Ceylon, Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi, regarding necessary amendments.[5] Serving as the intermediary and negotiator on behalf of President Nasir, Mr. Didi facilitated discussions with the British. Ultimately, these deliberations led to an agreement satisfactory to both parties, thus finalizing the terms of independence.[5]
Protectorate overview
1796–1965, protectorate
In the 1790s, as the
On February 22, 1887, British officials embarked on a visit to the Maldive Islands with the objective of assessing the prevailing situation in the country. Following a thorough gathering of information concerning various aspects of the nation, the British authorities conveyed to the Maldivian Monarch their perspective that the country would benefit from becoming a British protectorate. This proposition was made in consideration of geopolitical factors and the perceived advantages that such a status could offer the Maldives in terms of stability, security, and potential economic development.[6]
Britain got involved with the Maldives as a result of domestic disturbances which targeted the settler community of
Sultan
World War II
Amidst the tumult of the
During the reign of Sultan Fareed I, prime minister Ibrahim Faamudheyri Kilegefaan orchestrated a clandestine agreement with the British Empire, wherein Gan Island was leased to them for a duration of 100 years.[6]
Ibrahim Nasir opposed Ibrahim Faamudheyri Kilegefaan's decision to lease Gan Island to the British for a century. However, due to health issues, Kilegefaan resigned as Prime Minister, paving the way for Nasir to assume the position. Nasir's ascent to power concerned the people of Addu Atoll, who felt marginalized by the government in Malé, which they perceived as authoritarian. Addu Atoll residents feared losing the benefits and opportunities provided by the British presence, known as the "ran zamaaan" or golden years. These included jobs and services that had been extended to the people of Addu Atoll. Consequently, there were aspirations among the Addu people to establish a new republic, independent from the central government, to safeguard their interests and autonomy.[12]
On January 1, 1959, the
Independence Day
Maldives Independence Day, celebrated on July 26th, marks the day the country gained freedom from British rule in 1965. It is a day of national pride, marked by flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances.[14]
References
- ^ a b c Ryavec 1995, p. 259.
- ISBN 978-1509930272.
- ^ a b "Timeline – Story of Independence". Maldives Independent. 26 July 2015. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
- ^ Davies, Laura. "Maldives at Fifty: penning a chapter in history". Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
- ^ a b c Hadi, Abdul, Ahmedulla (26 July 2019). "The independence gained by the unyielding determination of Nasir". Sun News. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
- ^ a b c d "Documetary: Sabbees". YouTube (Video). Adhadhu. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
- ^ "Working Together to Protect U.S. Organizations Overseas". Archived from the original on 1 November 2021. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
- ISBN 978-1509930272.
- ^ "A History of Maldives". Rabindranath Tagore Portal of History, Development and Human Security in South Asia.
- ^ Walker, James. "How Maldives gained independence from the British empire". The National. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
- ^ Kearney, Jonathan. "Fascinating History of How WWII Brought to the Maldives". maldives traveller. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
- ^ "President Afif didi's letter". Maldives royal family.
- ^ Majid, Majid. "Suvadive republic". Maldives royal family.
- ^ "Maldives Independence Day 2024: Celebrating 59 Years Of Autonomy". Local Events Today. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
Works cited
- This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the OCLC 32508646.
External links
Royal Air Force Gan - Remembered
The British Empire
Royal Air Force