Sabry denies Withanage’s allegation that he bent law to allow Muslim COVID-19 victim to be buried

By Saman Indrajith

Justice Minister Ali Sabry and Ratnapura District SJB MP Hesha Withanage had a heated argument on Tuesday over an allegation that one of Sabry’s relatives who had passed away from COVID-19 had been buried, while other Muslims victims of COVID-19 were cremated.

Participating in the third reading debate on Budget 2021, MP Withanage alleged that one of Sabry’s relatives in Ratmalana who had died from COVID-19 was buried in contravention of health regulations.

“This relative died on Nov 15. She is Ahmed Fathima Junaideen Naleefa of Borupanawatte Road, Ratmalana. A PCR test conducted revealed that she had been infected with COVID-19. It was reported that after a telephone call from a powerful person, a second PCR test was performed and then the result had been negative. So, her remains were buried. Why is that? Other Muslims who die due to COVID-19 were cremated. This is unfair.”

Minister Sabry vehemently rejected MP Withanage’s allegation.

Ali Sabry: “This is a barefaced lie. I would never bend the law like that. MP Withanage should be ashamed of himself. While it is true that I have explored the possibility of burying Muslims who had died from COVID-19, I have done it in a transparent manner. But this is a ludicrous statement”

MP Withanage: “Your statements regarding burials are in national newspapers and other media channels. I am not referring to that.”

Ali Sabry: “Even if I died tomorrow from COVID-19, final rites of my body would be performed according to the current health regulations. If you prove that I made a call and did something in violation of the law I will resign now, not only from the ministry but also from Parliament.