FAMILY and friends of fallen Fijian British Army soldier Ratu Manasa Silibaravi have begun preparations for his burial and the prior and ensuing traditional iTaukei burial custom.
Private Ratu Manasa Silibaravi was 32 and was with the British Army's 23rd Pioneer Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps, when he was struck down in a mortar attack.
Pte Ratu Manasa Silibaravi and Corporal Andrew Steven Roberts were killed in Afghanistan on Friday, May 4.
His grandaunt, Ulamila Silibaravi Sovita, said Pte Silibaravi had taken on the responsibility of provider for his siblings after the death of their parents.
She said family members had begun preparations for the arrival of his body which has yet to be confirmed.
Pte Silibaravi's uncle, Jovilisi Sovita, confirmed his body was resting at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and awaiting an inquest.
He said two of Pte Silibaravi's siblings left the country on Tuesday morning for Britain and added: "It may be another week before the inquest is carried out and afterwards they will give us an arrival date for his body.
"They will be there to identify the body and be present during the post-mortem examination and the inquest into his death.
"We (relatives) have met and decided we will host the prior and ensuing traditional iTaukei burial custom and ceremonies at the family residence in Kinoya."
Mr Sovita said Pte Silibaravi's requiem would be held at the Kinoya Methodist church while his body would be laid to rest at the Commonwealth Cemetery in Suva.
Pte Silibaravi is survived by his brothers Saimoni Pita, Ratu Meli Silibaravi, Kaveri and two sisters Mereoni Silibaravi and Salote.