The Government will not object if the health authorities approve the burial of those who died after contracting COVID-19, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. He said this matter was extensively discussed at the Cabinet meeting on Monday.
“This decision will be taken by the health authorities,” the Minister told journalists at a media briefing yesterday on being asked whether the Government has taken a decision to allow burial of COVID-19 victims.
He said various views were expressed in this regard at the Cabinet meeting.
“The last rites of people who die of COVID-19 are not based on race or religion. The decision is taken on the advice of a committee appointed by the Health Ministry.
Also, the burial of those who died from COVID-19 has to be done in an isolated dry area to prevent germs from mixing with groundwater, and only two members of the family can attend the funeral.The body is not handed over to family members and the burial is done only with the intervention of the health authorities,” he said.
