Tourism pioneer dies

Maldivian tourism pioneer Kan’di Ahmed Ismail Maniku has died while being treated at Sri Lanka’s Nawaloka Hospital.

Maniku diligently served the Maldives’ tourism industry since its introduction in 1972. He received an award from the Ministry Of Tourism in 1997 for being a pioneer of tourism in the Maldives.

He was also awarded the National Award of Recognition in 1997 and National Award of Honour in 2005, in recognition of his many contributions to the tourism industry.

He held many other positions with the government during his life, including Under Secretary at the Foreign Ministry, Second Secretary at the Office of the Maldivian High Commissioner in Ceylon, Representative of the Maldives’ Office at the United Nations, Manager at the Shipping Department, Under Secretary at the President’s Office, and Deputy Minister of Fisheries.

Tourism Minister Dr Mariyam Zulfa left for Sri Lanka last night to attend Maniku’s funeral.

He is survived by his wife Moomina Haleem, the first female cabinet minister in the Maldives and an honouree of the National Exemplary Service Medal, and four children.