UN Resident Coordinator writes to PM on burial of COVID-19 victims

UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Ms Hanaa Singer wrote to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa this week reiterating concerns with the existing Ministry of Health guidelines, which stipulate cremation as the only method for the disposal of bodies suspected of COVID-19 infection.

"I deem it important to inform you that I have received impassioned appeals from within and outside the Muslim community that perceive the current policy on burials as discriminatory," UN Resident Coordinator wrote while urging the government to uphold the rights of all communities and revise the current policy as the negative consequences of not allowing burials seem to outweigh any potential epidemiological benefit.

She also expressed concerns that not allowing burials is having a negative effect on social cohesion and, more importantly, could also adversely impact the measures for containing the spread of the virus as it may discourage people to access medical care when they have symptoms or history of contact.

“Considering the evidence-based guidance of the World Health Organization, as well as the commitments of the Government of Sri Lanka to respect and uphold the rights of all communities, I therefore express my hope that the existing policy be revised so as to allow the safe and dignified burial of COVID-19 victims,” she said.