The United States has expressed disappointment over Sri Lanka’s discriminatory cremation policy for people who died of the COVID-19, reported Newswire. 

Alaina B Teplitz, the US ambassador to Sri Lanka, said on Friday it was disappointing to see the Sri Lankan government backing away from its promise to end its discriminatory cremation policy. 

People, including loved ones, recently passed, deserve more respect for their rights from a democratic government, she added.

Earlier, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa gave the assurance in parliament that the government would allow the burial of people who died of COVID-19. 

A day after his statement, Sri Lankan State Minister Sudharshini Fernandopulle informed parliament that only the ministry’s expert committee can decide on the issue, effectively negating the prime minister's assurance.

The existing policy in Sri Lanka mandates only cremation for the people who died of coronavirus. Many civil society activists say the policy is unfair to Sri Lankan minorities, mainly Christians and Muslims.,whose religion forbids cremation. 

After the Sri Lankan prime minister’s statement in parliament, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan went on to thank the Sri Lankan government on Twitter for allowing burial for Muslim victims. Khan is visiting Sri Lanka on 22-23 February. 

The United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has also raised concern over the issue. The council is also expected to take up the issue of human rights conditions in Sri Lanka in its annual meet this month.