State Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle informed Parliament today that the decision to allow burial of remains of Covid 19 victims in Sri Lanka will be made by the ‘expert committee’ of the Health Ministry.
She said the Prime Minister’s statement to permit burials in the future will be submitted to the Committee, following which a decision will be drawn in this regard.
The State Minister said decisions with regard to COVID-19, including burials will be taken based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee.
Responding to the State Minister’s comments, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem questioned if the Expert Committee members were in a higher position than the Prime Minister to surpass his decision.
He said the Prime Minister had made a categorical statement to permit burials, and it is a decision made by a mature politician understanding the predicament of the country, minorities and reconciliation.
MP Hakeem pointed out that the issue on burials has been repeatedly pushed backed to the Expert Committee which consists of pseudo scientists, which is unable to draw a decision on the matter.
Questioning as to what more can be done beyond a Prime Minister’s decision, MP Hakeem also questioned as to who in the Health Ministry’s expert Committee are blocking this decision causing racial tensions in Sri Lanka.
“Please don’t insult the Prime Minister”, he told State Minister Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle.
MP Rauff Hakeem called on the Government to take a mature and considered decision with regard to the burial of the remains of Covid victims in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)