Maldivian business magnate and tourism industrialist Kan’di Ahmed Ismail Maniku has passed away this morning. Upon hearing the news President Mohamed Nasheed telephoned the Late Ahmed Ismail Maniku’s wife Moomina Haleem, and conveyed his condolences. Moomina Haleem was the first female cabinet minister of the Maldives, and an honouree of the National Exemplary Service Medal.
Kan’di Ahmed Ismail Maniku passed away while being treated at Sri Lanka’s Nawaloka Hospital.
Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Dr. Mariyam Zulfa will depart for Sri Lanka this evening, to attend the funeral of Late Kandi Ahmed Ismail Maniku as a Special Envoy of the President.
Kandi Ahmed Ismail Maniku has 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.
Kandi Ahmed Ismail Maniku served the government for over 23 years, and held a number of executive positions. Some notable positions held were, 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.
He was survived by four children.