The United States (US) has expressed disappointment in the Government of Sri Lanka for backtracking on its announcement to permit burials of Covid victims.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz said it is disappointing to see that the Government and PM are backing away from ending the discriminatory cremation policy.
She further said people, including loved ones recently passed, deserve more respect for their rights from a democratic Government.
Her statement comes, after State Minister Sudharshini Fernandopulle informed Parliament that the Ministry’s Expert Committee will decide on the burial issue.
State Minister Fernandopulle made the statement a day after Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had announced in Parliament that burials of the remains of Covid victims will be permitted in Sri Lanka.
Cabinet co-spokesman Minister Udaya Gammanpila too told reporters this week that the Prime Minister had only voiced his personal opinion on the matter.
He said a final decision in this regard will have to be taken by the Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena. (NewsWire)