The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal for the government to apologize to sections of society affected by the compulsory cremation policy enforced in Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the Cabinet Press Conference held this afternoon (23), Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena explained that, according to guidelines from the Ministry of Health on the clinical management of COVID-19, cremation was recommended for the disposal of bodies of those who died from the virus.
As a result, 276 Muslim victims of COVID-19 were cremated. In February 2021, burials were subsequently allowed with strict restrictions, he added.
In July 2021, the Ministry of Water Supply, with support from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, initiated a study to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in aquatic environments, including river water, wastewater from hospitals, and quarantine centers. The study revealed no presence of the virus in surface water.
A second study completed in March 2024 by the China-Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology under the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development identified the primary sources of SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission to water sources, including groundwater. The study confirmed that the virus was transmitted through faeces and urine, not from safe burials.
In light of these findings, the Cabinet has approved a proposal from the Minister of Justice, Prisons and Constitutional Reforms, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development to issue an apology to those affected by the compulsory cremation policy.
The Cabinet also plans to introduce legislation allowing individuals or their relatives to choose burial or cremation methods for deceased loved ones, based on their preference, to prevent similar issues in the future. Additionally, the introduction of laws for the donation of bodies to medical faculties is being considered if necessary.
The Cabinet has approved a joint proposal from the Minister of Justice, Prisons and Constitutional Reforms and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to advise a draftsman to prepare a bill allowing individuals or their relatives to choose between burial and cremation.
