Govt. says no final decision on burial of COVID-dead

Glocal
By Editor_1
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COLOMBO – The Sri Lankan government on Tuesday (10) refuted widespread social media claims on burial being permitted as a means of disposing the COVID-dead, saying no final decision had been taken in this regard and cremation remains the exclusive means of disposal.

Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister of Mass Media, Keheliya Rambukwella, told reporters on Tuesday, the Cabinet position remained unchanged on disposing the COVID-dead and that a final say on the sensitive issue lies with the committee appointed by the Ministry of Health to explore the option.

He acknowledged that the issue had been brought to the attention of the Cabinet by various members and outside parties from time to time, and it was taken up for discussion on Monday (9).  However, he said the discussion centred on whether burials should be carried out in a remote, dry area, with the consensus being the matter should be referred to the health authorities to further explore the possibility of burial as an option.

Minister of Environment, Mahinda Amaraweera also told reporters that the health authority had taken the matter into consideration and the committee of experts appointed to look into the issue will make the final decision.

Both ministers reiterated the government would not oppose a recommendation to bury the COVID-dead, if burial as a means of disposal is approved by the health authorities.

Dr. Jayaruwan Bandra, Media Spokesperson Ministry of Health, also told reporters no final decision had been taken about burial and that the government stance on cremation remains unchanged, elaborating the decision to cremate all COVID-dead was taken by the Director General of Health Services taking into consideration scientific and technical reasons related to the pandemic as well as the soil in Sri Lanka.

Social media was on a tailspin Tuesday following the appearance of a letter, purportedly signed by the Secretary of Ceylon Thowheed Jamaath thanking the president, prime minister and the government for permitting burial for Muslims who succumb to COVID-19.

This follows an announcement by Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi in Parliament on October 3 that a medical team had been appointed to review the decision to exclusively cremate coronavirus victims and that a final decision on burial will be taken after the medical team reviews the matter.

The decision to review the government stand, which had been previously gazetted, follows a request by Justice Minister Ali Sabry to revisit burial as an option taking scientific factors into consideration. Wanniarachchi said a team of experts had been appointed to review the decision and that the committee will meet late that week.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the government of targeting Muslims during the coronavirus pandemic, pointing out that concerns have been raised by the community since the coronavirus outbreak in March, over the decision to cremate the remains of Muslims, which goes against their religious beliefs.

The WHO has said COVID-19 dead can be buried or cremated, confirming with national and local requirements that may dictate the handling and disposition of the remains. It has also said that family and friends may view the body after it has been prepared for burial, in accordance with customs.

However, the government, maintaining burial could contaminate the groundwater table, has persisted with cremation, despite appeals by a number of Muslim politicians, academics, medical professionals and organizations for a review of the decision. Several Muslim organizations have filed fundamental rights petitions in the Supreme Court seeking a reversal of the government decision. The cases are set to be heard later this month.

Burial is the mandated disposal of the dead for Muslims and cremation is viewed as a sacrilege and an affront to religious sensitivities.

Sri Lanka has so far recorded 41 COVID-19 related deaths, of which at least 19 are said to be Muslims.

-ENCL

 

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