Sri Lanka government consults experts on burial of COVID-19 dead bodies

Sri Lanka government says that the government will consult the relevant authorities to make the decision regarding the disposal of the dead bodies of COVID-19 patients according to the health precautions.

"There are various opinions about the issue," cabinet spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said to media. "In the cabinet meeting yesterday, Minister Ali Sabry submitted a proposal to consider burial of the dead bodies of the Muslim COVID-19 patients, especially in dry zone areas. However, the cabinet did not make a decision. The facts will be forwarded to the relevant authorities and a decision will be made according to their recommendations."

According to the government decision, the health and other authorities will have to make recommendations about the request of the Muslims for their rights. 

However, Muslim organizations including extremist National Thawheed Jamath thanked the government for being benign to the Muslim sentiments regarding the burial of the dead. Sources say that Minister of Justice Ali Sabry is the lead advocate in the government for the rights of the Muslims for burial. 

However, contamination of water sources by the virus is cited by the persons who are against the burial of COVID-19 dead bodies. Both science and anti-Muslim mentality are behind the campaign against the burial of COVID-19 dead bodies.

(Photo from Amnesty.org)

No decision yet in Sri Lanka to bury the dead bodies of Muslims

Sri Lanka government sources say that no final decision has been so far taken regarding the burial of the Muslim persons who pass away due to COVID-19. 

However, Muslim organizations including extremist National Thawheed Jamath thanked the government for being benign to the Muslim sentiments regarding the burial of the dead.  

Sources say Minister of Justice Ali Sabry is the lead advocate for the rights of the Muslims for burial. 

However, the government sources further say that the probability of burying the dead COVID-19 persons on dry cemeteries is being studied. Contamination of water sources by the virus is cited by the persons who are against the burial of COVID-19 dead bodies.