Resolve burial issue within SL

The Maldives has, at the request of the Sri Lankan government, agreed to take the bodies of Sri Lankan Muslims who die of Covid-19 for burial there. This humanitarian gesture is commendable.

Although it is said that the burial of Covid-19 victims here is not possible for fear of groundwater transmission of coronavirus, I suspect the reason is something else. The health expert committee appointed to study the issue has told the Prime Minister that the Coronavirus will survive in corpses for 36 days. I do not know if they were forced to say it, or they themselves said it. According to eminent Scientist and Virologist Prof. Malik Peiris, viruses do not survive in dead cells. These non-scientific statements about burial will definitely damage the reputation of our country. I have also seen Cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella and others often mumbling the Presidential Election slogan “one country, one law”, while talking about burial issues. There seem to be some sinister elements behind this issue.

I understand that the attempt of the government to send the bodies of Muslim Covid-19 victims to the Maldives for burial is also to please these elements. Why should this simple issue which can be resolved here be internationalized? It has already received much negative publicity worldwide.

All parties to this dispute had better solve this issue amicably within this country.

M. A. KALEEL

Kalmunai – 05