Sri Lanka to introduce Burial and Cremation Rights Bill says Minister
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved taking necessary steps to pass a ‘Burial and Cremation Rights Bill’.
Minister of Justice, M. U. M. Ali Sabry revealed the decision in a message on X (Twitter) on Monday (2) saying, “Today, the Cabinet of Ministers approved taking steps necessary to pass the ‘Burial and Cremation Rights Bill’, a proposal I strongly advocated for.”
He said the crucial piece of legislation ensures the right of every individual to choose between burial and cremation, respecting personal and religious beliefs. “Together, we will uphold dignity and justice for all,” he added.
The Sri Lanka government’s stubborn insistence, under the presidency of Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2020, and 2021, on cremating Muslim and Christian victims of COVID-19, going against their religious beliefs and global consensus, drew widespread condemnation from UN experts and Muslim countries.
Sabry, a Muslim himself and the Justice Minister at the time faced harsh criticism from human rights defenders and from members of the Muslim community for what they claim was his silence in the face of the inhuman, unscientific decision.
-economynext.com
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