JVP worried over possible coffin shortage

• Says President’s decision to ban timber mills could have unforeseen consequences

Opposition lawmaker Bimal Ratnayake cautioned President Maithripala Sirisena against banning timber mills, pointing out entrepreneurs engaged in small carpentry businesses would suffer, and the ban could even lead to a coffin shortage. 

Questioning the possible use of aluminium-based coffins and their linked health concerns, MP Rathnayake said: “We foresee a considerable health issue. We use wood coffins to bury the dead. I would like to know if it is safe to use aluminium coffins to bury, as there could be a shortage of wood coffins.”

In response, Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne held that the correct decision the President should have taken is to encourage more tree plantings.

“Countries such as Malaysia farm trees, and on the other side they harvest timber for exports. We issue orders to stop cutting trees, instead of planting trees. We should plant trees. We will not be able to take the country forward if decisions of such nature are taken,” said Dr Senaratne. (AH)