Sri Lanka has changed the burial site for the COVID-19 victims as the locals of Iranathivu island, the site earlier selected, protested the government decision, reported Colombopage.

Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said on Monday the government had taken a decision to stop burying victims on the island. The decision came after he had earlier submitted a proposal to the government to change the site.

The government has now selected the Ottamawadi Sudupaththinasenai area in Batticaloa for burial.

Around 165 families living on the island of Iranathivu had long been protesting against the government’s decision and were demanding the change.

The minister also thanked Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for taking cognizance of the demand.