Govt reveals stance on final rites of Covid victims remains unchanged

The Government says its stance with regard to the final rites of the remains of Covid victims remains unchanged.

Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera told reporters today that the government will only take a decision on this matter based on the advice of the committee appointed by the Ministry of Health.

Cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told the Colombo Gazette that a proposal was made to look for a remote island to bury the remains of coronavirus victims from the Muslim community, if the city was not conducive for the purpose.

The proposal had been made at yesterday’s cabinet meeting headed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Both Ministers have reiterated that the government would not oppose the recommendation to bury Covid-19 victims if it’s approved by the health authorities.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health said it has not taken a decision to change the current procedure of cremation of those who succumbed to COVID-19.

Health Ministry Spokesman Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara told reporters that the current decision was taken by the Director General of Health considering scientific and technical reasons both related to the pandemic as well as the soil in Sri Lanka.

The statements come on the back of concerns raised by Muslim community leaders over the decision to cremate the remains of Muslims, which goes against their religious beliefs.

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa addressing Parliament last week also questioned as to why burial was not allowed in Sri Lanka when it is permitted in all other countries. (NewsWire)

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from Corona Updates – NewsWire https://ift.tt/2IkuJYC