News
Resumption of burials a high risk the country cannot afford to take – MP Muzammil
‘We shouldn’t seek exclusive rights during a grave crisis’
By Shamindra Ferdinando
SLPP (Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna) National List MP Mohammed Muzammil yesterday strongly urged the government not to resume burial of Muslim corona victims under any circumstances, though a section of the Muslim community is demanding that Muslim covid-19 victims be allowed to be buried.
Muzammil, who represents the National Freedom Front (NFF), a constituent of the SLPP, said that the country was struggling to cope with the corona pandemic and no one should be allowed to play politics at a time of national health emergency.
The NFF has five elected MPs and one National List MP in the 145-member SLPP parliamentary group.
In a brief interview with The Island over the phone, the former JVP MP emphasised that whatever the religious dictates and sentiments, the Sri Lankan Muslim community should adhere to specific instructions issued by the government as regards the cremation of corona victims.
Pointing out that the ongoing corona second wave could lead to a an unprecedented catastrophe, Muzammil said the Muslim community had no option but to follow government guidelines. The national economy was already in tatters, as in many other countries, with all major revenue sources such as tourism, garment trade and foreign remittances badly affected, and, therefore any further deterioration of health situation could be disastrous, the MP said.
The government would have to take decisions for the benefit of all people, the MP said, adding that the burial of corona victims was against the health guidelines now in place. Commenting on other Muslim members of parliament pushing for the burial of Muslims dying of COVID-19, Muzammil said that they should be free to express their views. “There is nothing wrong in them taking a stand on this sensitive issue,” the MP said, emphasizing the responsibility on the part of the government to do the right thing.
Muzammil said that he deeply regretted the issue caused by the demand for Muslim burial rights. Responding to another query, the MP pointed out that the Catholic community accepted the government dictates in that regard without causing unnecessary issues.
The MP warned of dire consequences if decision-makers allowed burials at the expense of, what he called the overall health of the country. “Let me explain how burial of bodies could cause a catastrophe. Unlike Catholics, we do not cover a hole dug in the ground to receive the body with sand. Instead, we place some planks and then cover them with sand. This can pose quite a health hazard. Therefore burials shouldn’t be permitted under any circumstances,” Muzammil said.
The MP pointed out how the community could be affected if bodies were released to the families. There could be corona outbreaks all over the place, lawmaker Muzammil said, pointing out how the situation could go out of control.
Responding to another query, Muzammil said that he might earn the wrath of a section of the community for taking a stand contrary to that of their other members of parliament. The lawmaker said that he felt it was his duty to educate the Muslims of the need to follow the government guidelines and also strengthen the government initiatives to contain the rapidly spreading virus.
The MP urged that no one should play politics with the issue at the expense of the country. The country should be told in no uncertain terms that decisions were taken by the government, in consultation with the health authorities, and the military, and it would be the responsibility of all communities to follow specific instructions.
All communities, including the Muslims, should be prepared to give up traditions, and practices, until experts had finalized studies, he said.
“We are still in control of the situation. But, we are certainly not in a position to take a chance. Decisions must be followed to the letter. I also believe Muslims have to be buried. I support that position. But the extraordinary situation on the ground makes my personal stand, on this matter, irrelevant,” MP Muzammil said.
Whatever the politicians say, the vast majority of Lankans realized that the country should follow what was best for all, the NFF representative said.
Muzammil warned that burial of COVID-19 victims could, overnight, cause the rapid deterioration of the situation. Urging the government to be firm on the matter, the MP said: “Please don’t let a few illogical men jeopardize the health of all.”
Muslim burials were done in accordance with Arabian customs which the Sri Lankan Muslim community would have to give up or face the consequences. “We shouldn’t be part of the problem,” the lawmaker said.
Lawmaker Muzammil said that though he wanted to oppose resumption of burials and generally dealt with the issue, he couldn’t get an opportunity to address the parliament when the Corona threat was debated on Oct 23. “The government parliamentary group was allocated 162 minutes. There were 31 speakers, I wasn’t among them.”
Muzammil said that the Muslim community should speak in one voice on this matter.
SLNS Samudura on 27 Apr 25 set sail from the Port of Colombo to Changi, Singapore to join the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025, Asia Pacific’s leading naval and maritime defence event.
The vessel was ceremoniously sent off from Colombo, following traditional naval customs.
IMDEX Asia 2025 is set to take place from 05 to 08 May 25 featuring cutting-edge advancements in naval technology and the event will conclude with a special warship display.
The 9th International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) will take place alongside the exhibition, featuring high-level discussions on evolving maritime security challenges in an era of geopolitical uncertainties.
Naval forces and maritime representatives from multiple nations are set to take part in the upcoming IMDEX Asia 2025 and IMSC. Taking part in this nature of naval and maritime defence events would open new avenues to the Sri Lanka Navy to build inter-operability with regional and extra-regional partners, exchange best practices and procedures in maritime operations and identify new challenges in maritime domain.
News
The NPP government has removed the political protection given for corruption and crime in the past – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the current government has removed the political protection that existed for corruption and crime for the past seventy-five years.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings held on Sunday (27) in Suriyawewa, Hungama, and Tangalle in the Hambantota District.
Addressing the gatherings, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
“We have ended the political protection that existed for seventy-five years providing shelter for corruption and crime. There no longer exists any protection for those public-hostile acts of corruption and crime. When we first started this, there were groups within the public service and even within the security forces who were scared and unsettled. All of this was carried out with political protection. Such political protection does not exist now and what you see is the effort to uncover and clean up the remnants.
One of the most notable incidents in this regard is the arrest of former Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon and the actions taken against him thereafter. Have you ever heard of an Inspector General of Police being arrested before? A parliamentary tripartite committee has also been appointed regarding this. Even those who were previously protected by the system are now feeling fear.
Former Cabinet Minister and ruling party member Pillayan has also been taken into custody. There, too, I witnessed rather absurd situations. According to members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), it was Pillayan who won the war. However, he was arrested in connection with the disappearance of a university vice-chancellor.
It has been reported that the Suriyawewa Pradeshiya Sabha is charging a market tax. If taxes or fees are collected, it must transfer into a service or facility for the people. The current method violates tax policy. A contract has been given to collect these taxes, meaning the money is being collected by a third party. If the taxes collected were genuinely used for the maintenance of the market complex, it should be in excellent condition.
The income of the Suriyawewa Pradeshiya Sabha amounts to 110 million rupees. If that money had been properly used for the Pradeshiya Sabha, today it would be in the best condition. The fact that it indicates that the money has ended up in someone else’s hands.
Despite instructions not to collect money in schools, we continue to receive complaints that it is still happening. We are taking necessary actions to address this matter. However, there are currently insufficient investigative officers to conduct thorough investigations. We are working to strengthen the investigative units within the ministries.
Through the approved budget, we have allocated a large amount of funds for rural development including rural infrastructure, rural economy, and especially to create self-employment opportunities for women and youth, as well as to build clean villages.
The government has now stabilized the economy. The next goal is to increase income and push the economy toward a growth trajectory.”
Prime Minister further noted that the government has been in power for only six months so far and that it will continue working to correct all these issues in the future.
The event was attended by the members of Parliament Saliya Sandaruwan and Athula Weladagoda, along with a large number of candidates and local residents.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Mullaitivu and Vavuniya districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 27 April 2025, valid for 28 April 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern and North-central provinces and Mullaitivu and Vavuniya districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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