About the ‘Viluntheri 20’ Exhibition

To commemorate 20 years since the 2004 tsunami, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and key national and international partners, organized the exhibition “Viluntheri Vihi” (Resilient 20).

The exhibition reflected on two decades of national resilience and unity. Organized to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the exhibition honoured the courage of survivors, the dedication of first responders, and the collective strength of Maldivians who rebuilt their communities from the ground up. Beyond remembrance, Viluntheri Vihi highlighted the progress the Maldives has made in disaster risk reduction and preparedness since 2004, showcasing how hard-earned lessons have been transformed into lasting improvements in policy, awareness, and innovation.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated on 26 December 2024 at the National Art Gallery in Malé by Vice President of Maldives his Excellency Hussain Mohamed Latheef. The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, international, national partners, and members of the public. In his remarks, the Vice President reflected on the remarkable unity shown during the recovery and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience.

senior government officials, international, national partners during the opening segment. Photo - Presidents Office

Vice President viewing the “Honouring the Lives Lost” segment. Photo- Presidents Office

Vice President viewing how the tsunami was generated segement presented by Maldives Meteorological Service. Photo- Presidents Office

Vice President presented with Viluntheri Vihi Photobook. Photo - Presidents Office

Vice President observes the replica of the clock stopped at the exact moment the tsunami struck. Photo - Presidents Office

Vice President views the photo archives of the exhibition. Photo - Presidents Office

The exhibition was opened to the public from 26–29 December 2024, welcoming visitors of all ages to explore the Maldives’ journey from devastation to recovery.

Segments of the Exhibition

The exhibition combined archival photographs, interactive displays, and personal stories, offering both a remembrance of the past and a reflection on how the nation has evolved since the devastating impact of the 2004 tsunami. The archival photographs and historical footage documented and presented at the exhibition showcased the tsunami’s impact across the islands, flooded islands, destroyed homes and the heroic efforts of communities during the response phase. Many of these images were displayed publicly for the first time, capturing the scale of devastation and the early stages of recovery.

'Faces of Resilience' segment of the exhibition. Photo - NDMA

'Destruction and loss' segment of the Photo exhibition. Photo - NDMA

A visitor views the photo exhibition segments. Photo - NDMA

The exhibition also included interactive elements, allowing visitors to visualize the height of the tsunami waves in comparison to everyday structures, a striking reminder of the power of natural forces and the vulnerability of low-lying islands.

Honouring the Lives Lost

One of the most poignant parts of the exhibition was the “Honouring the Lives Lost” segment. Visitors were invited to write personal messages, prayers, and reflections on a tribute wall dedicated to those who perished in the tsunami. This segment served as a reminder that behind the statistics and progress are individual lives, families, and stories of immeasurable strength. The messages left behind reflected both remembrance and gratitude: a collective recognition of the courage that carried the nation forward.

The Ignite Stage: Voices of Resilience

Another key highlight of the event was the Ignite Stage, a dedicated platform for storytelling, discussion, and knowledge sharing. Throughout the four-day exhibition, NDMA hosted sessions where survivors, first responders, and public servants shared their personal experiences from the 2004 tsunami and the long road to recovery.

Speakers recounted moments of loss and courage, the coordination of emergency response efforts, and the lessons that shaped the country’s disaster management systems. The stage also featured reflections from representatives from humanitarian agencies who supported the Maldives during the immediate aftermath.

For younger visitor, many born after 2004 - these sessions offered an invaluable opportunity to hear firsthand how the Maldives faced, endured, and learned from one of its greatest challenges.

Resilience Through Reflection

Viluntheri Vihi (Resilient 20) was more than an exhibition, it weaved together human stories, and the impact of the 2004 tsunami, offering a holistic reflection of how the Maldives has transformed adversity into determination. It stood as a reminder that resilience is not defined by the absence of disaster, but by the capacity to rise stronger through preparedness, solidarity, and shared responsibility.