COVID burial issue: Vasu submits report on two locations with deep water table

Minister of Water Supply Vasudewa Nanayakkara states that a report on two locations in the country identified as having a deep water table has been submitted to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi. 

Addressing a media briefing, the minister stated that he was invited to a recent meeting hosted by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa with Muslim Ministers and MPs regarding the performing of final rites of those who succumb to COVID-19. 

At this meeting, Minister Nanayakkara said that the PM tasked him with identifying locations with a deep water table. He had then directed geologists to look into the matter and they had identified Marichchikaddi in Mannar and Eragama in the East as locations where there was no groundwater even at a depth of 30 feet. This report compiled by geologists was then handed over to the PM and the Health Minister, Mr Nanayakkara added. 

The Minister requested the expert committee appointed to resolve issues surrounding the disposal of bodies of COVID-19 victims to also take this report into account.