The government is to open a book of condolences in memory of the late Ibrahim Manik.

This was announced by the President’s Office on Wednesday.

As such, the office revealed that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to hold a memorial service and open a book of condolences in the memory of the late Ibrahim Manik.

The book of condolences will be placed at Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu (DRA), where Manik served for more than 27 years in his extensive career in the broadcasting industry.

Mr Ibrahim Manik, most commonly known as Summarblue Ibrahim Manik, who rendered invaluable services to the progress of the broadcasting industry of the archipelago nation, passed away at the age of 72.

Manik passed away on Wednesday morning while receiving medical treatment in Bangalore, India.

Maldives Broadcasting Commission is to host the memorial service to be held in his honor.

Following his passing, President Solih conveyed his deepest condolences to his family.

As such, speaking to the grieving family, President Solih shed light on Manik’s long service to the broadcasting industry, including at "Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu" (DRA), where he produced several successful radio programmes.

Manik spent most of his career in the broadcasting sector, having started from bottom, as the English Secretary, a Programme Planner, and Producer for Radio Maldives.

Manik served as a Programme Producer, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and Director at DRA .During his long career, Manik also filled the position of Director General of Broadcasting at the Department of Information and Broadcasting, before becoming Information Minister.

In his time, he delivered outstanding services as the Minister of Information, Arts, and Culture from 11 November 1993 to 13 September 2004 and during his long career in the government spanning 35 years, Manik also served as the Minister of Youth, Development, and Sports.

He began his services to the government on 19 January 1971.

In a bid to celebrate his contributions to promoting music, Manik was conferred the National Award for Recognition in 1996 and he was also the recipient of the "Minivan 25" Award for Public Service and special recognition awards in 1999, 2000, and 2001 for his contributions to promoting Dhivehi literature.

This year, Manik was conferred the Broadcast Lifetime Achievement Award by the Maldives Broadcast Commission for his invaluable services to the Broadcasting sector .