President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed setting up a committee tasked with ensuring the respectful handling of final rites for individuals in Sri Lanka.
The President announced that a new committee would be established to coordinate arrangements for the last rites of individuals per their religious customs or final wishes, expressing his commitment to enacting relevant legislation in the future.
He made these remarks while participating in the Ifthar ceremony held at the Jumma Mosque in Katukele, Kandy on Sunday (Apr 07).
“Amidst the economic challenges faced by the nation last season, long queues became a common sight, disrupting even the observance of Ramadan fasts. However, with improvements in the economy over the past year, today presents us with the opportunity to observe Ramadan and its fasting rituals as usual.
“During Ramadan, the Muslim community abstains from food and drink, focusing on the virtues of fasting and nurturing moral values. It’s noteworthy that Ramadan coincides with the Sinhala New Year, reflecting a culture of inclusivity transcending racial and religious barriers throughout our history,” he said.
The President further said that efforts are also underway to regulate Madrasa schools under the Ministry of Education, mirroring the oversight of private education, pointing out that in 2019, steps were taken to address obstacles related to Muslim literature.
Highlighting that the recent pandemic posed challenges for the Muslim community in conducting proper last rites, causing immense distress, the President said future legislation will enable individuals to carry out their last rites per their religious beliefs or final wishes, ensuring everyone’s right to burial or cremation.
“We are committed to formulating the necessary regulations to honour individuals’ preferences in this regard,” he assured.
Commenting on the Gaza conflict, he said as Sri Lanka observes Ramadan today, a sombre situation unfolds in the Gaza Strip, where the Muslim community mourns the loss of approximately thirty-five lives.
He announced that in light of this tragedy, the government has decided to forego the national Ramadan festival this year and allocate the funds to support the people of Gaza.
“Additionally, a commitment has been made to construct a school in Gaza once the conflict subsides. Our stance remains firm in opposing the dissolution of the Palestinian state, and we stand in solidarity to end the ongoing conflict.
“Contributions totalling Rs. 10 million from Kathankudi Mosque, Rs. 2.2 million from Katu Kale Jumma Mosque, and Rs. 3.5 million from Muslim foreign employment agencies have been handed over to President Ranil Wickremesinghe for distribution among the affected Muslim community,” he added. (Newswire)