News
Zuhair questions Muzammil’s stand on final rites for corona victims
Resumption of burials:
Former People’s Alliance lawmaker and President’s Counsel M.M. Zuhair, yesterday (12) questioned National Freedom Front (NFF) MP Mohammed Muzammil strong objections to allowing burial of Muslim coronavirus victims.
Zuhair, one-time Sri Lanka’s top envoy in Iran has sent us the following statement in response to yesterday’s lead story headlined ‘Resumption of burials a high risk the country cannot afford to take’ : In the context of the World Health Organisation (WHO) supporting the options of cremation or burial of Covid 19 victims; the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) commending the WHO guidelines as well as the government’s March 27th rescinded regulation permitting both cremations and burials; the Quarantine Ordinance of the country providing for both burials and cremations; the country’s top epidemiologist Dr Paba Palihawadana stating that there is no evidence that Covid 19 is spread by contaminating water; the GMOA and eminent medical professionals calling for a review of the current regulations in the context of WHO guidelines and the government said to be reviewing the present regulations in a manner applicable to all citizens, the Island’s lead story of today has come as a surprise.
The National Freedom Front (NFF) Member of Parliament Mohammed Muzammil is entitled to his views, but neither he nor I, are competent to be judgmental scientifically or medically to contest Dr. Paba Palihawadana, the GMOA or the other eminent professionals. Indeed the government and all communities ought to be scientifically guided by the medical experts on the matter. The experts will know best why the WHO guidelines provide for both options. They will know why nearly 200 countries world- wide have permitted and adopted burials of Covid 19 victims as an option. They know as to why over fifty countries and islands with high water tables have also adopted burials as an option.
If Covid 19 is thought to spread through contamination of water from the burial of afflicted dead bodies, then the question raised in a parliamentary debate in the country queried how millions of gallons of Covid 19 used daily at quarantine centres are allowed to freely enter water out-lets!
The government has been made aware that regulation 61A of 11th April 2020 making cremation as the only mode of disposing Covid 19 dead bodies is in violation of section 3(1)(i) of the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance and section 17(1)(C) of the Interpretation Ordinance. The regulation is also in violation of Code of Criminal Procedure Act (CCPA) empowering Magistrates to judicially deal with sudden deaths.
Medical personnel, armed forces and health workers rendering a yeoman service in the forefront of containing the spread of this deadly virus may be exposed not only to the risk of infection but also to actions of violating the law. It is to the credit of persons who feel wrongfully deprived of the option of burial that they have fully cooperated with the authorities in ensuring that Covid 19 is contained, without following up on other options.
There is a wide section of the people across all communities who are said to prefer burial of their loved ones, so long as the medically competent experts accept the WHO guidelines as worthy of adoption without getting trapped into mythological or ghostly fears. Such burials must be by the State subject to strict health guidelines as in the case of cremations.”
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
-
Business2 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
News7 days agoBid to include genocide allegation against Sri Lanka in Canada’s school curriculum thwarted
-
Business3 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business2 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Features18 hours agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Sports4 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Latest News6 days agoIPL 2025: Rookies Ashwani and Rickelton lead Mumbai Indians to first win
-
Sports5 days agoTrinity, St. Anthony’s out to end decade long victory drought