Sri Lanka President Apologizes for COVID Burial Restrictions

Colombo (News 1st): Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the Parliament, making a significant announcement regarding burial rights in Sri Lanka.

"Honorable Speaker, there is a matter on which I have to make an announcement," stated President Wickremesinghe. "There has been much discussion and heartburn about the burials and what took place during COVID-19. I was also there."

President Wickremesinghe recounted the difficult decisions made during the pandemic.

"Initially, all countries sort of stopped burials, and then it went to the WHO. In Sri Lanka, we appointed a committee, and unfortunately, that committee recommended that we don't allow burials. While WHO took a different view, the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the committee, so the government had to follow that. There was no choice at that stage."

Recognizing the impact of these decisions, President Wickremesinghe emphasized that the situation has now changed.

"But now all this is over. As we have gone through everything, in this country, any person should have the right to determine whether they are buried, cremated, or given to a medical faculty. Therefore, the minister will bring a law that allows the right of burial, right of cremation, or gifting your body to medical institutions."

Acknowledging the pain caused during this period, particularly among the Muslim community, President Wickremesinghe extended an apology. "During this time, there was a lot of pain witnessed, mainly by the Muslims, but there are also Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians who also prefer burials. We would like to apologize to them for what has happened."

President Wickremesinghe concluded with a call for unity and support. "I hope this House will support the bill that will be presented."

This new legislation is expected to ensure that every citizen in Sri Lanka has the right to choose their final rites.