Medical team to review decision to only cremate coronavirus victims – Health Minister

The Government has announced that a medical team has been appointed to review the decision to only cremate coronavirus victims and not bury them.

Health Minister informed Parliament today that a final decision will be drawn in this regard after the medical team reviews the matter.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said that the decision to only cremate the bodies was taken based on scientific recommendations.

However, following a request made by the Justice Minister Ali Sabry a team of experts has been appointed to review the decision. The committee will meet this week, she said.

The Government Ministers issued the statements, after Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa accused the Government of targeting Muslims during the coronavirus pandemic.

He pointed out that concerns have been raised by the Muslim community since the coronavirus outbreak in March, over the decision to cremate the remains of Muslims, which goes against their religious beliefs.

NW