Thiruvananthapuram: The body of the Latvian tourist was cremated using firewood as wished by the victim's sister Ilze Skromane. Thiruvananthapuram Latin Archdiocese vicar general Fr Eugene Pereira led the rites. Apart from Ilze and the victim's husband Andrew, some foreign tourists and tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran were present at the ceremony.
As per Ilze wish, all others were kept away from the spot after the pyre was lit and Ilze stood near it for some time. Ilze had personally invited to the funeral a few persons who had helped and supported her for searching her sister. Social worker Aswathy of Jwala foundation was also present.
Ilze would be taking the ashes to Latvia next week as the ashes would be deposited on the garden of their house as wished by the victim earlier. The state tourism department is organising a meeting at Nishagandi in the city on May 6 to pay tributes to the Latvian tourist. A sapling would be also planted on Nishagandhi premises in remembrance of the victim.
