News Sri Lanka

“After finally being forced to reverse its unacceptable and degrading policy of cremating the bodies of all Covid-related deaths, the Sri Lankan government has introduced a new measure that again targets Muslims.”

Sri Lankan Muslims, forced to undergo mandatory cremation after death, have regained the right to hold burials.

"It has been very distressing for the Muslim Community in the UK to see the dead being treated in such an abhorrent manner without any respect for the wishes of their respective families."

“The MCB taskforce has written to the Foreign Secretary and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to request an immediate reversal of this ‘forced cremation’ policy and highlight its impact on Muslim and Christian communities.”

Despite the widespread condemnation of the forced cremations of Muslims and Christians who allegedly have passed away from COVID-19, Sri Lankan authorities are continuing to ignore the fact that there is no health risk linked to burying those who have succumbed to the disease.

Sri Lanka's highest court has rejected demands to stop cremating Muslim COVID-19 victims

Muslim organisations and human rights groups have criticised the ban as Muslims fear reprisal attacks.