COLOMBO –The government on Tuesday (3) announced a medical team has been appointed to review the decision to exclusively cremate coronavirus victims despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending burial as a safe option.
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi informed Parliament on Tuesday that a final decision will be drawn on the disposal of the COVID-19 dead after the medical team reviews the matter, noting that the decision to exclusively cremate the COVID-dead was taken based on scientific recommendations.
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 has been appointed to review the decision and that the committee will meet late this week.
Earlier Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa 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 the COVID-19 dead can be buried or cremated, confirm 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 23 COVID-19 related deaths, of which at least seven have been Muslims.
-ENCL