By M.A. Kaleel

Coronavirus does not spread through soil or groundwater and even if you bury the COVID-19 infected bodies without a burial vault, the transmission of the virus does not occur, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has said.

” This is the absolute truth. I do not say this based on superstitious belief like throwing clay pots into rivers to get rid of COVID-19, but having listened to prominent experts in this field here and abroad. I did not speak anything on this matter before this because I did not want to do it without consulting experts in the field.

“Religion is a vital aspect of our life. Every person has a right to live according to his or her religious beliefs without causing harm to others, and it is his fundamental right too.

“Forced cremation of the Muslims dying of COVID-19 Muslims in violation of their religious beliefs and funeral rites without the consent of their families is a serious violation of human rights. Therefore, I earnestly request the government to listen to eminent doctors and experts on this field here and abroad and take a decision. Otherwise there is room to think that the government does this because of political hatred fuelled by some Buddhist fundamentalists towards Muslims.”