The Sri Lankan government on Thursday made it clear there is no change in its earlier policy regarding the cremation of people who die of COVID-19 in the country, reported Daily Mirror. 

“Recommendation of the committee is to cremate the bodies of those who die of COVID-19 as of now. We will implement that recommendation firmly. We will not change such experts' opinion at this point where the country is facing a serious pandemic situation.” Sri Lankan Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror.

She further said, hence, under no social, religious, political, or personal grounds, this decision will be revoked. The minister said responding to a query from an opposition MP. 

This issue has become highly sensitive in Sri Lankan politics with the minority groups, Muslims and Christians, opposing the move as it was against the tenets of their religion. Former President Mathripala Srisena also expressed his displeasure over the policy.  

The issue also created a controversy in the neighboring Maldives. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapakshe had written a letter to the Maldives’ President Mohammad Solih, asking his assistance in burying the Sri Lankan Muslim victims in one of its islands. 

The issue left the Maldivian political class deeply divided, with some supporting it while others totally against 'importing' dead bodies just to bury them in the archipelago.