Enact Virologist Committee report on COVID-19 dead: Marikkar

Tuesday, 16 February 2021 02:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says if experts committee recommendations implemented then burial option can be given to all communities
Calls on PM to enact his statement in p’ment
Slams SLMC for 20A support given to Govt.

By Asiri Fernando

Samagi Jana Balawegaya parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar addressing reporters yesterday

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar yesterday urged the Government to gazette the recommendations of a nine-member panel of medical experts on the burial of COVID-19 dead and work to end the mandatory cremation policy currently followed.

“The Government appointed an expert panel of virologists and other subject matter experts to look into the issue regarding the burial of COVID-19 dead,” stated Marikkar. “The committee was led by Prof. Jennifer Perera and had nine members, which included virologists and microbiologists. This committee had submitted their report and recommendations but they were not made public. Now the report is out.”

The MP made these remarks at a press conference held yesterday at the Opposition Leader’s office.

The opposition MP argued that, in line with the recommendations of experts, the Prime Minister’s statement in Parliament that the burial of COVID-19 dead will be allowed can be carried out.

“This will ensure the final rights of Buddhist and other religions can be carried out as well,” Marikkar added. “The recommendations made by the expert committee include that the remains of COVID-19 dead cannot be embalmed; that the remains should be buried within 24 hours; that the remains be placed in a double lined bag before being placed in a coffin; that once the remains are placed in the coffin, the coffin should be sealed and not opened again; that four members of the family can view the remains for five minutes.

“These recommendations uphold the fundamental rights of the Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslims of this country. We urge the Prime Minister to enact the recommendations made by the panel of experts.”

Marikkar also criticised a recent statement by the executive committee of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), stating that the SLMC supported the Government to vote in the 20th amendment due to assurances that the Government would permit the burial of Muslims who succumbed to the COVID-19 virus.

“The burial of COVID-19 dead and the 20th Amendment are two different things. The SLMC should not get the two issues mixed up. The 20th amendment is a policy matter, it has pushed the country towards a dictatorship and will enable corruption. This is why the SJB opposed the 20th amendment on policy. The SLMC can't seek the public's forgiveness now. The country is sliding towards dictatorship and the rights of the public is being eroded. The SLMC used the grief of the Muslim community for their benefit.”