Connect with us

News

Iranaitivu islanders protest against burying of coronavirus victims there

Published

on

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Residents of Iranaitivu Island yesterday forcibly filled up the burial sites prepared for those who had died from COVID-19 and held a demonstration against burying coronavirus victims on the island.

The protesters claimed that the media had reported those who died from COVID-19 would be buried on the island and that some group had already prepared a burial site. However, the residents of the island had not been consulted, they said.

They claimed that even during the war they had fought for the right to live on the island and they were opposed to the decision taken by the government to bury COVID-19 victims on the island.

 The protesters claimed that it was a cunning plan by the government to drive in a wedge between Christians and Muslims in the area. The government should have earmarked a deserted island for that purpose, they said. The protest was led by Christian religious leaders and local politicians. 

Iranaitivu is situated 10 km from Mannar and can only be accessed by boat. Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwelle said that it was not a political decision and that health experts had taken it after careful consideration. He added that a vehicle especially made for this would be used to transport bodies to the island. This vehicle would include a freezer and the driver would be isolated from the bodies. Two family members would also be allowed to attend the funeral.

 

 



Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Cabinet gives green light to develop Sigiriya as a sustainable tourism destination

Published

on

By

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the combined proposal presented by the Minister of Tourism and Lands and the Minister of Buddhasashana, Cultural and Religious Affairs to prepare a Master Plan to develop Sigiriya as a sustainable tourist destination with the contribution of all relevant parties.

Continue Reading

News

Cabinet approves incorporation of the Sri Lanka Institute of Agriculture

Published

on

By

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture to incorporate the Sri Lanka Institute of Agriculture, which currently has more than 1000 agricultural professionals as members, and to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare the bill for the same, so that the quality of service and ethics of the agricultural professionals can be widely, efficiently and effectively ensured.

Continue Reading

News

Vesak week from 2nd to 8th May 2023

Published

on

By

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal furnished by the Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs to declare the Vesak week from 02.05.2023 to 08.05.2023 and to implement various religious and social programmes during the period

Continue Reading

Trending