Tourism Ministry stated on Thursday that delays in reporting the incident to relevant authorities impeded the repatriation of the two honeymooners who drowned during Maldives holiday.
The two Philippines nationals, Leomer and Erika Joyce Lagradilla traveled to Dhiffushi island, Maldives for their honeymoon after tying the knot in December. They tragically drowned while snorkeling off Dhiffushi island.
Their remains were not sent back to their homeland immediately, as the arrangements for their repatriation were only finalized two days after their death. The family of the deceased had publicly appealed to raise funds for their repatriation, and the Philippines government had later agreed to shoulder the full costs of getting the couple back to their home country.
However, the Maldivian government took the responsibility for their repatriation and sent back their remains to Philippines via Sri Lankan Airlines, incurring a state-sponsored expence of around USD 30,000.
Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday, Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed told AVAS that there was a subsequent delay in sending back the remains of the deceased as there were delays in reporting the incident to the authorities. The policies have now been updated to speed up the reporting process, and all incidents now have to be brought to the direct attention of Tourism Ministry and the Minister himself, said Ali Waheed.
The government is obligated to protect the Maldivian brand and the lives of all who visit the country, added the Minister. The decision to sponsor the repatriation of the bodies was made in accordance to the Public Finance Act, as a token of the hospitality of the Maldives, noted the Tourism Minister.
Honeymooners who drowned during Maldives holiday
