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Sabry denies Withanage’s allegation that he bent law to allow Muslim COVID-19 victim to be buried

Published

3 years ago

2020/11/26

By Saman Indrajith

Justice Minister Ali Sabry and Ratnapura District SJB MP Hesha Withanage had a heated argument on Tuesday over an allegation that one of Sabry’s relatives who had passed away from COVID-19 had been buried, while other Muslims victims of COVID-19 were cremated.

Participating in the third reading debate on Budget 2021, MP Withanage alleged that one of Sabry’s relatives in Ratmalana who had died from COVID-19 was buried in contravention of health regulations.

“This relative died on Nov 15. She is Ahmed Fathima Junaideen Naleefa of Borupanawatte Road, Ratmalana. A PCR test conducted revealed that she had been infected with COVID-19. It was reported that after a telephone call from a powerful person, a second PCR test was performed and then the result had been negative. So, her remains were buried. Why is that? Other Muslims who die due to COVID-19 were cremated. This is unfair.”

Minister Sabry vehemently rejected MP Withanage’s allegation.

Ali Sabry: “This is a barefaced lie. I would never bend the law like that. MP Withanage should be ashamed of himself. While it is true that I have explored the possibility of burying Muslims who had died from COVID-19, I have done it in a transparent manner. But this is a ludicrous statement”

MP Withanage: “Your statements regarding burials are in national newspapers and other media channels. I am not referring to that.”

Ali Sabry: “Even if I died tomorrow from COVID-19, final rites of my body would be performed according to the current health regulations. If you prove that I made a call and did something in violation of the law I will resign now, not only from the ministry but also from Parliament.

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Navy relief teams assist flood affected communities

Published

7 hours ago

2023/06/5

Priyan

In the wake of prevailing inclement weather in several areas in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, the Sri Lanka Navy on 04th June 2023 mobilized 04 relief teams to Bulathsinhala, Baduraliya, Lathpandura and Kalawana areas to extend flood relief to affected communities.

As a result, the Navy relief teams were able to assist a group of school children who were stranded in the Lathpandura area of Baduraliya, Kalutara district, due to flash floods and provided a boat service to transport the students who were scheduled to sit for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination.

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PNS Shahjahan departs after successful naval exercise

Published

10 hours ago

2023/06/5

Priyan

The Pakistan Naval Ship (PNS) Shahjahan which arrived in Colombo on 02nd June 2023 on a two-day official visit, departed the island on 04th June 2023.

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EC opposes govt. move to appoint its henchmen to monitor local councils

Published

20 hours ago

2023/06/5

Thilina Walpola

By Priyan de Silva

The Election Commission (ECSL) has opposed a move by the government to appoint representatives of the Chairpersons of the Regional Development Committee to monitor local government institutions.

ECSL Chairman Nimal G. Punchihewa told The Island that the government had informed the ECSL of its plan to appoint representatives of the Chairpersons of the Regional Development Committee to monitor the local government bodies and the ECSL had decided to write to the Ministry of Local Government opposing the move, he said. A Chairman of a regional development committee ESD a representative of a particular political party and it would be unfair by other parties for such appointments to be made, the EC Chairman said.

Punchihewa said that the administration of local government institutions could be done through Municipal Commissioners and Divisional Secretaries.Many political parties had complained against the government move, he said.