News
Ranil tells govt not to dilly-dally with burial decision
By Saman Indrajith
UNP Leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the government should take immediate action to either bury or cremate COVID-19 infected corpses, instead of keeping them in freezers over a long period.
Speaking to the media after meeting a group of health officials at his residence in Colombo on Thursday, the UNP leader said that the issue of burying or cremation of the bodies of COVID -19 victims had now become a political issue and it was wrong to keep those bodies in freezers.
“The government should make a decision on the basis of scientific facts and opinion of health experts. The health experts state that the virus can remain strong and active when storing corpses of corona infected people in freezers. Owing to indecision of the government in the face of protests and agitations, corpses of those who died of the coronavirus are now stored in freezers. These corpses should not be kept in freezers at all. Either the bodies should be buried or cremated immediately after death. This decision should be taken by the government,” the UNP leader said.
Wickremesinghe said that when a COVID-19 infected body after being kept in a freezer for several days is transferred to a coffin for burial or cremation the virus could be released to the outside environment.
He said that research has proved that the virus is safe in extreme cold. “Medical experts say that it can also be activated later. So keeping COVID infected bodies in freezers over a long period is a wrong decision. There is no need to get involved in politics for such matters. The government should take a direct and firm decision,” he said.
“This should be done without any further delay. It is important to look into the recommendations of the World Health Organization as well as the manner in which countries such as Korea, India and Germany have acted in this regard,” he said.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will represent Sri Lanka at the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican City, the Ministry said.
The funeral is scheduled for today.
About 50,000 people came to pay their respects to the late Pope on Thursday, the Vatican news service said.
“Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, an ancient tradition of nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of the late Pope’s soul,” according to the Vatican news service.
“The Novemdiales Masses will be held each day at 5:00 PM (GMT +2) in St. Peter’s Basilica, except for the Mass on Divine Mercy on Sunday, April 27, which will take place at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square.”
An underworld hitman who attempted to break into a house in the Andiambalama area of Katunayake to kill a businessman was arrested in Rajanganaya by the police and the Special Task Force (STF) on Thursday night after the attempt failed and he escaped by jumping over a wall.
Investigations have revealed that this individual is connected to a number of murders, including the recent killing of a businessman known as “Indikatu Jude” in the Seeduwa area a few weeks ago, as well as several other criminal activities.
Police said that the suspect was responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a man sleeping in a three-wheeler in the Gampaha area and attempting to assassinate another person at the Negombo market.
The suspect arrived in Andiambalama with another underworld assassin to murder a businessman engaged in money lending from his residence.
At the time of the incident, the businessman attempted to close his electric gate. The contract killer and his accomplice tried to shoot the businessman, but their weapon malfunctioned and did not fire. A struggle ensued between the businessman and the two assailants, after which the assailants tried to escape by jumping over the wall of the house as the would-be victim ran into the house.
During the escape, one of the suspects fell from the wall and fractured a bone in his leg. Local residents captured him after assaulting him and handed him over to the police.
The other contract killer managed to flee the scene but was later apprehended in the Rajanganaya area.Investigations are being carried out under the supervision of Negombo Division SSP Ashoka Dharmasena.
By Hemantha Randunu
The Committee of Inquiry investigating IGP T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon over alleged gross abuse of power has formally requested the Acting IGP to nominate a police investigation team to assist its work. The request was made during the Committee’s second meeting, held yesterday (25 April) in the Parliamentary complex.
The Attorney General has appointed Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris, and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, to support the Committee’s proceedings.
At the session, the Committee held initial discussions on how to proceed with the investigation and involve key stakeholders. It was agreed that the next meeting will be held on 28 April, 2025, to decide on the next steps.
Sri Lanka, India and South Africa kick off World Cup preparations with ODI tri-series
IPL 2025: Harshal, Kamindu lead Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first win against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai
Fairly heavy rain fall about 75 mm is likely at some places in Central, Uva and Eastern provinces and in Vavuniya and Polonnaruwa districts
-
News6 days agoFamily discovers rare species thought to be extinct for over a century in home garden
-
Features4 days agoRuGoesWild: Taking science into the wild — and into the hearts of Sri Lankans
-
Foreign News7 days agoChina races robots against humans in Beijing half marathon
-
News4 days agoOrders under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruptions Act No. 9 of 2023 for concurrence of parliament
-
Features5 days agoNew species of Bronzeback snake, discovered in Sri Lanka
-
Features6 days agoThe ironies of history
-
News3 days agoProf. Rambukwella passes away
-
News5 days agoPhoto of Sacred tooth relic: CID launches probe