Lahiru Pothmulla Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said the government’s actions are invariably based on instructions of health officials, taking into consideration the wellbeing of all citizens, and added that the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could create difficulties to all, including Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Catholics and others.

Speaking at the all-party representatives meeting at Temple Trees, Mr. Rajapaksa said this in response to the issue raised by representatives of Muslim political parties, who wished to explore the possibility of burying the bodies of those who succumb to COVID-19 instead of cremating the bodies. Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe stressed it has been only three months since the COVID-19 virus has been identified and no proper information is available on the exact behaviour of the virus.

“There are various ways of the spread of the virus and health officials try their best to prevent it from spreading. The entirety of Sri Lanka should be considered when cremating the dead bodies. This is a sensitive issue but our focus should be the wellbeing of the entire community,” he said.