‘Cremation only’ policy has no scientific basis – SJB MP
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National List MP Imtiaz Bakeer Markar, who made a courtesy call on the Chief Prelate of the Ramanna Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Wimala Maha Nayake Thera in Mirigama, yesterday told journalists that it was unfortunate the Government was stubbornly carrying on a policy of “cremation only” for the COVID dead as this could lead to the isolation of Sri Lanka from the rest of the world.
The MP had visited the Chief Prelate to inquire into his health and speak to him on the situation in the country with regard to COVID-19. He told the prelate that the health authorities must make a decision on the disposal of victims who have died from COVID-19, to which the Ven. Thera said he would discuss the issue with officials.
“We Muslims are taught to abide by the law of the country and if something should bring harm to the community, we must avoid it. In this instance, the WHO was clear about the method of disposal of bodies of those who died from COVID-19. After issuing a gazette notification, the Government revoked it and pursued cremation for all those who die from COVID-19. If this is done in accordance with the guidelines of the WHO or in keeping with scientific reasoning, then we can accept it,” he said.
“But that has not been the case. Many esteemed medical practitioners have said that what is being done today in Sri Lanka has no scientific basis.” He called on the people not to make this a political issue and to abide by guidelines set by the WHO, which is followed by 190 countries around the world.
source http://www.dailynews.lk/2020/12/26/local/237168/%E2%80%98cremation-only%E2%80%99-policy-has-no-scientific-basis-%E2%80%93-sjb-mp
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