US senators write to Lankan envoy in Washington DC over mandatory cremation of COVID dead

Two US Senators, Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner, have jointly written to Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Washington DC Ravinatha Aryasinha expressing concern over the mandatory cremation of those dying of COVID-19.

Following is the full text of the letter.

“Congratulations on your appointment as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States.  We look forward to working with you during the 117th Congress to advance the US-Sri Lanka relationship. We are appreciative of Sri Lanka’s partnership and our work together to promote democracy, economic development and human rights. Today, we write to you on behalf of our constituents, who have expressed concerns regarding Sri Lanka’s forced cremations of COVID-19 victims.

“We understand that in April 2020, the Sri Lankan Government announced that it would mandate the cremation of the body of anyone who had tested positive for the coronavirus, based on concerns expressed by local authorities that if burials were allowed, the virus could spread and contaminate the groundwater. 

“However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that there is no evidence to suggest that cremation prevents the spread of the virus, and both the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Medical Association issued statements clarifying that there has been no proof that burial of COVID-19 victims constitutes a public health hazard. Instead, WHO guidelines permit burials in addition to cremations, which they describe as ‘a matter of cultural choice and available resource.’

“As you know, the mandatory policy of cremating deceased COVID-19 victims runs contrary to the beliefs of Sri Lankan Muslims and other minorities, and comes at a time when many families are struggling to cope with the fear of contracting the virus, and the profound sadness of losing a loved one. Although we applaud Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s recent assurance that Muslims who die of COVID-19 will be able to be buried, we understand that the Prime Minister’s announcement will be referred to an expert committee. 

“It is our hope that Sri Lankan authorities will, in a timely manner, honour the Prime Minister’s declaration and ensure all Sri Lankans can bury their loved ones in accordance with their respective religious and cultural traditions.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been trying for all of us, as we continue to grapple with this deadly virus and learn how to best stop its spread, and to reopen our societies and economies.

“The US and Sri Lanka share an important relationship, united by a commitment to the ideals of democratic governance that allows us to work closely together, especially in times of such crisis.

“Thank you for your time and attention to this issue of importance to Virginians.”