Burial issue : Gnanasara Thero tells Govt not to play political games, Opposition holds protest

The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) has called on Government leaders to refrain from engaging in political games over the burial of Muslim Covid victims.

BBS General Secretary Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero said burial is a right of Muslims as per their religious beliefs.

Stating that the Government must provide a fair and quick decision on the matter, Gnanasara Thero said religious leaders must be consulted when taking a decision, apart from the Expert Committee appointed in this regard.

Gnanasara Thero further refuted worldwide views that Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka are against the burial of Muslim Covid victims.

He pointed out that if Government leaders do not resolve this issue as soon as possible, it will pave way for more issues similar to that of the riots that occurred in 1983.

Meanwhile, a large scale demonstration was held in front the Borella Cemetery by the Opposition and various other politicians and individuals against the cremation of Muslim Covid victims.

The protest was attended by politicians including Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa, Lakshman Kiriella, Rauf Hakeem, and Mano Ganesan among others.
Speaking to reporters, MP Rauf Hakeem said the Expert Committee appointed to review the matter must be reformed.

Stating that they were against the cremation of Muslim Covid victims, especially that of the 20-day –old infant, MP Hakeem said measures were taken to tie white cloths on the gate of the Borella Cemetery to show their protest.

The MP further said it is regrettable that the Government had instructed to remove the cloths from the gate of the cemetery.

– NewsWire