The Government of Sri Lanka(GoSL), withdraws the option which was available under Public Health Guidelines to allow the burial of the deceased Covid19 victims,  which adversely affects the religious rights of the Muslim Community of Sri Lanka. This adverse decision was taken contrary to the guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) relating to the disposal of bodies affected by the Corona Virus, which are being followed by many countries, including United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, Israel, Malaysia, Iran and Italy. In the absence of any scientific evidence of spread of disease after the body has been sealed in a body bag from respiratory or gastrointestinal fluids (and therefore there is no difference in cremation or burial with regard to spreading of the virus), this decision appear to be taken on other considerations. This will continue to  cause much anxiety and anguish to the affected Muslim families in particular and the community in general.  The GoSL should therefore reconsider reintroducing the amendment to provide the burial option too with strict conditions to avoid infection spread, as provided in the WHO guidelines, in addition to the cremation option.

If you are a family member, a relative or anyone known to a family whose loved ones were forcibly cremated due to Covid or suspected Covid, in Sri Lanka, please let us know your / their details. WhatsApp: +447401018964 Web Form: https://www.prgsrilanka.org/victims/

COVID-19 Related Incidents, News & Other Activities in Sri Lanka

2021
27/02/2021

Sri Lanka: ‘Forced’ cremation of COVID victims’ bodies must stop – UN rights experts

Sri Lanka: ‘Forced’ cremation of COVID victims’ bodies must stop – UN rights experts

26/02/2021

Sri Lanka finally lifts ban on burial of COVID victims

Sri Lanka finally lifts ban on burial of COVID victims

25/02/2021
25/02/2021
24/02/2021
23/02/2021

Sri Lanka human rights: UK seeks new UN resolution on abuses

Sri Lanka human rights: UK seeks new UN resolution on abuses

23/02/2021

OIC – 46th Human Rights Council Session – Forced Cremation

http://webtv.un.org/search/organization-of-islamic-cooperation-high-level-segment-6th-meeting-46th-regular-session-human-rights-council/6234688406001/?term=&lan=english

22/02/2021
21/02/2021

Burial of Covid-19 deceased: #StopForcedCremations continues

https://www.themorning.lk/burial-of-covid-19-deceased-stopforcedcremations-continues/

19/02/2021
18/02/2021

OP-ED: Bangladesh must speak out against forced cremation of Muslims in Sri Lanka

https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/2021/02/18/op-ed-bangladesh-must-speak-out-against-forced-cremation-of-muslims-in-sri-lanka

18/02/2021
17/02/2021

Cremation still in effect for COVID19 deaths insists Sri Lanka Health Ministry

Cremation still in effect for COVID19 deaths insists Sri Lanka Health Ministry

16/02/2021

Covid-19 Forced Cremations Continue in Sri Lanka – HRW

https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/02/16/covid-19-forced-cremations-continue-sri-lanka

15/02/2021

“Yes To Burials; But Not Covid” – Emperor’s ‘Racist’ Clothes Laid Bare!

“Yes To Burials; But Not Covid” – Emperor’s ‘Racist’ Clothes Laid Bare!

13/02/2021

Head of Tech Committee Confirms Burial Can Be Allowed for COVID Victims in Sri Lanka (Eng Subtitle)

Head of Govt appointed committee Prof. Jennifer Perera stands by its recommendation that both burial..Read More

12/02/2021
12/02/2021

In Sri Lanka, a unique pandemic trauma: Forced cremations – Washington Post

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/sri-lanka-cremations-covid/2021/02/12/b97719a6-6562-11eb-bab8-707f8769d785_story.html

11/02/2021

Scope with Waqar Rizvi – Forced Cremations

Interview on Pakistan Indus News Channel on SL Forced Cremation today (11.2.2021). Tayab from Bidmans..Read More

11/02/2021
11/02/2021
11/02/2021
11/02/2021
10/02/2021

Sri Lanka will allow burial of Covid Victims: Prime Minister

Sri Lanka will allow burial of Covid Victims : Prime Minister https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=288676276147054&ref=watch_permalink

10/02/2021
10/02/2021

Sri Lanka to allow COVID burials for Muslims after outcry

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/10/sri-lanka-allows-first-covid-burial

10/02/2021

Muslims under Fire: Sri Lanka’s Covid19 ‘Forced Cremations’ and Institutionalization of Anti-Muslim Populism

Muslims under Fire: Sri Lanka’s Covid19 ‘Forced Cremations’ and Institutionalization of Anti-Muslim Populism

09/02/2021
09/02/2021

Mandatory cremations and the voices of the families

Mandatory cremations and the voices of the families

09/02/2021

Muslim families complain to UN over Sri Lankan Covid cremations

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/09/muslim-families-complain-to-un-over-sri-lankan-covid-cremations

08/02/2021

The Muslim Council of Britain call on the UN to halt forced cremations in Sri Lanka

The Muslim Council of Britain call on the UN to halt forced cremations in Sri..Read More

04/02/2021
04/02/2021

Loved Ones Lost: The Pain Behind Forced Cremations

Loved Ones Lost: The Pain Behind Forced Cremations

01/02/2021
01/02/2021

Families victimised by mandatory cremation policy hail Bachelet’s Report to UNHRC

Families victimised by mandatory cremation policy hail Bachelet’s Report to UNHRC

01/02/2021

The Heavy Price That Sri Lanka Will Have To Pay For Denying Burial Rights

The Heavy Price That Sri Lanka Will Have To Pay For Denying Burial Rights

31/01/2021
29/01/2021

State Department account for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs

COVID-19's tragedy has taken too many lives. We urge Gov of Sri Lanka to respect..Read More

29/01/2021

Sri Lanka sticks to forced Covid cremation policy, despite revised advice from its own expert panel

Sri Lanka sticks to forced Covid cremation policy, despite revised advice from its own expert..Read More

28/01/2021

37 British Muslim Organizations Demand A Stop To Sri Lanka’s Forced Cremations During Covid

37 British Muslim Organizations Demand A Stop To Sri Lanka’s Forced Cremations During Covid

27/01/2021

Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon Tweet

The UK urges Sri Lanka to permit burials for #COVID19 victims in line with @WHO..Read More

27/01/2021
26/01/2021
25/01/2021
25/01/2021

Sri Lanka’s baseless forced cremation policy inflicts trauma on Muslims

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/01/25/sri-lankas-baseless-forced-cremation-policy-inflicts-trauma-muslims/

25/01/2021

Sri Lanka’s cremation of COVID dead a ‘human rights violation’

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/25/forced-cremations-during-pandemic-a-violation-of-human-rights-un

25/01/2021

Sri Lanka: Compulsory cremation of COVID-19 bodies cannot continue, say UN experts

https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=26686&LangID=E

20/01/2021

PRG calls on Government of Sri Lanka to urgently conduct an impartial investigation into allegations of manipulation of COVID results to harass Muslims

https://www.prgsrilanka.org/prg-expresses-deep-concern-over-allegations-of-manipulation-of-covid-tests-in-sri-lanka/

19/01/2021
19/01/2021
19/01/2021
18/01/2021

No issue in burying COVID-19 victims’ bodies: Dr. Palitha Abeykoon

http://www.themorning.lk/no-issue-in-burying-covid-19-victims-bodies-dr-palitha-abeykoon/

18/01/2021

Sri Lanka: Covid-19 Forced Cremation of Muslims Discriminatory

https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/01/18/sri-lanka-covid-19-forced-cremation-muslims-discriminatory

15/01/2021
14/01/2021
14/01/2021
12/01/2021
11/01/2021
09/01/2021
08/01/2021

IBAHRI condemns forced cremations of Muslim COVID-19 victims

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns the forced cremations, in violation of..Read More

04/01/2021

Burial of the Dead is an Integral Part of a Muslim’s Belief

https://www.prgsrilanka.org/burial-of-the-dead-is-an-integral-part-of-a-muslims-belief/

02/01/2021
02/01/2021

Cremation Vs Burial: Expert Panel Revises Recommendation To Include Both Cremation And Burial Of COVID-19 Dead Bodies

Cremation Vs. Burial: Expert Panel Revises Recommendation To Include Both Cremation And Burial Of COVID-19..Read More

01/01/2021

Appeal to End Forced Cremation of Covid-19 Victims in Sri Lanka

Australian Advocacy for Good Governance in Sri Lanka

01/01/2021
2020
31/12/2020
30/12/2020

The Muslim Council of Britain to launch legal action against Sri Lankan government’s ‘forced cremations’

https://www.prgsrilanka.org/the-muslim-council-of-britain-to-launch-legal-action-against-sri-lankan-governments-forced-cremations/

28/12/2020
28/12/2020

Watch our show: Sri Lanka Forced Cremation

Mujahid Talks with Imam Malik Mujahid in conversation with Sir Iqbal Sacranie – Senior Advisor..Read More

28/12/2020
28/12/2020

Contentious ‘Forced Cremation’ Issue: Danger Of Muslim Emotions Being Exploited!

https://www.prgsrilanka.org/contentious-forced-cremation-issue-danger-of-muslim-emotions-being-exploited/

27/12/2020

Health Ministry reiterates position on Covid-19 cremation

Health Ministry reiterates position on Covid-19 cremation

Ministry of Health in a statement says all those who have died due to COVID..Read More

27/12/2020

Survival of Coronaviruses in Water and Wastewater

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7091381/

26/12/2020

Covid-19: Sri Lanka forcibly cremates Muslim baby sparking anger

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-55359285

26/12/2020
25/12/2020

Muslims are being forcefully cremated – British Muslim TV

Muslims are being forcefully cremated ⚠️ The Sri Lankan ?? government is forcing those who..Read More

24/12/2020
24/12/2020

Letter from Muslim doctors to Sri Lanka

FIMA President Prof. Dr. M. İhsan Karaman explained that FIMA (Federation of Islamic Medical Associations),..Read More

23/12/2020
23/12/2020
19/12/2020
18/12/2020

Outrage over forced cremation of Muslim Covid victims in Sri Lanka

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/asia/sri-lanka-muslim-covid-burial-cremation-b1776201.html

16/12/2020
16/12/2020

Maldives COVID burial plan ‘will marginalise Sri Lankan Muslims’

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/16/maldives-marginalising-sri-lanka-muslims-with-covid-burial-plan

15/12/2020
14/12/2020

Forced cremations of Muslim Covid-19 victims cause outrage in Sri Lanka

https://www.trtworld.com/asia/forced-cremations-of-muslim-covid-19-victims-cause-outrage-in-sri-lanka-42356

13/12/2020

Sri Lanka’s Anglican Church condemns human rights violations

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/201213/news/sri-lankas-anglican-church-condemns-human-rights-violations

12/12/2020

London Protest Against Forced Cremations in Sri Lanka

https://www.prgsrilanka.org/uk-protest-against-forced-cremations

12/12/2020

MCB Statement on forced cremations of Muslims who have died of COVID19 in Sri Lanka

MCB Statement on forced cremations of Muslims who have died of COVID19 in Sri Lanka

12/12/2020

Universal Human Rights Council – Statement on Forced Cremation in London Protest

We are gathered here today to express our anger, horror and disgust about the most..Read More

11/12/2020

A statement on Forced Cremation in Sri Lanka

“I’d rather die on my feet, than live on my knees” said the Mexican revolutionary..Read More

11/12/2020
10/12/2020

Anger over forced cremation of virus victims in Sri Lanka

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/anger-over-forced-cremation-of-virus-victims-in-sri-lanka

09/12/2020

There were no virologists in the committees set up – Prof Vitharana

http://www.dailymirror.lk/opinion/There-were-no-virologists-in-the-committees-set-up-Prof-Vitharana

09/12/2020
07/12/2020
05/12/2020
04/12/2020
04/12/2020
04/12/2020

Muslims in Sri Lanka ‘denied justice’ over forced cremations of Covid victims

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/04/muslims-sri-lanka-justice-forced-cremations-covid-victims

04/12/2020
03/12/2020
03/12/2020

Dr Nihal Abeysinghe regarding forced cremation

Dr Nihal Abeysinghe, former government chief virologist and epidemiologist in talk with Chamudiththa He clearly..Read More

03/12/2020

We Will Continue To Struggle For Justice And The Right To Bury Our Dead: Civil Society Organizations

We Will Continue To Struggle For Justice And The Right To Bury Our Dead: Civil..Read More

02/12/2020

Sri Lanka SC rejects petitions against COVID-19 cremation

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/sri-lanka-sc-rejects-petitions-against-covid-19-cremation/article33234058.ece

30/11/2020

Forced cremation of bodies of pandemic casualties must stop

https://asiapacific.gchumanrights.org/2020/11/30/sri-lanka-forced-cremation-of-bodies-of-pandemic-casualties

26/11/2020
26/11/2020
25/11/2020
19/11/2020
18/11/2020
17/11/2020
12/11/2020
03/11/2020
07/07/2020
18/05/2020

Sri Lankan Officials Stoke Covid-19 Communal Hate – Human Rights Watch

https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/05/18/sri-lankan-officials-stoke-covid-19-communal-hate

17/05/2020

Malaysian Muslim organisation calls on Sri Lanka to approve Islamic practice

Malaysian Muslim organisation calls on Sri Lanka to approve Islamic practice

15/05/2020
14/05/2020

Compulsory cremation: A nightmare for Sri Lanka’s Muslims – By Lukman Harees

The World Health Organization says burials are safe for Covid-19 victims. So why is Sri..Read More

14/05/2020
14/05/2020
13/05/2020

5th Muslim victim’s body was cremated forcefully

5th Muslim victim’s body was cremated forcefully

Name: Abdul Hameed mohamed Rafaideen Age: 64 years Last Address: Neth Sevana Housing Complex,  Thotalanga...Read More

12/05/2020
12/05/2020

No issue with cremating COVID-19 dead: Archdiocese

No issue with cremating COVID-19 dead: Archdiocese

http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/No-issue-with-cremating-COVID-19-dead-Archdiocese/108-188143

12/05/2020

Journalist Asiff Hussein sent an open letter to Dr Anil Jasinghe

Journalist Asiff Hussein sent an open letter to Dr Anil Jasinghe

Dear Dr.Anil Jasinghe It is with much sadness that I write this to you, all..Read More

11/05/2020

Sri Lanka: Muslims face extra threat as coronavirus stirs hate

Sri Lanka makes cremations compulsory for COVID-19 victims, but Muslims and activists urge authorities to..Read More

11/05/2020

Rights petition filed against cremation of COVID-19 victims

A Fundamental Rights violation petition was filed yesterday, challenging the Gazette notification that a body..Read More

10/05/2020

Corpses Of Coronavirus Patients Can’t Be Infectious, So Cremation Not Necessary, Says WHO

Corpses Of Coronavirus Patients Can’t Be Infectious, So Cremation Not Necessary, Says WHO

09/05/2020
09/05/2020
09/05/2020

Muslim Burial Rights: An Open Letter To The President Of Sri Lanka – By Mass L Usuf

Muslim Burial Rights: An Open Letter To The President Of Sri Lanka – By Mass..Read More

09/05/2020

Dr Ruvaiz Haniffa’s Message

Government and its leaders should immediately stop harassing the Muslim community in the country, this..Read More

09/05/2020

The tragic circumstances and horrific treatment of the family of the deceased from Modara, who was misdiagnosed for COVID19

The tragic circumstances and horrific treatment of the family of the deceased from Modara, who was misdiagnosed for COVID19

The tragic circumstances and horrific treatment of the family of the deceased from Modara, who..Read More

09/05/2020
08/05/2020

Sri lanka – Only country in the world Forcibly cremating Muslim Covid-19 victims – By Latheef Farook

The situation in the island today is that Sri Lanka is the only country in..Read More

08/05/2020
08/05/2020
08/05/2020
07/05/2020

ACJU Letter to Dr Anil Jasinghe re Forced Cremations

Clarification on the ambiguity on burying the ashes of a Muslim who succumbed to COVID-19..Read More

07/05/2020

ACJU Clarification on the ambiguity on burying the ashes of a Muslim who succumbed to COVID-19 and request to reverse the stance by permitting burial

https://acju.lk/en/news/acju-news/item/1935-clarification-on-the-ambiguity-on-burying-the-ashes-of-a-muslim-who-succumbed-to-covid-19-and-request-to-reverse-the-stance-by-permitting-burial

07/05/2020

Sri Lanka lab technologists warn COVID19 tests flawed, cremated body not COVID19 related

Muslim death, cremated The ‘9th coronavirus fatality’ in Sri Lanka which occurred on Tuesday could..Read More

06/05/2020
06/05/2020
05/05/2020

A Muslim victim of COVID19 cremated against the wishes of her family

A Muslim victim of COVID19 cremated against the wishes of her family. And also obtained..Read More

05/05/2020
05/05/2020
04/05/2020
03/05/2020

Signature campaigns against forced creamtion

https://www.change.org/p/sri-lanka-government-don-t-cremate-the-covid19-affected-sri-lankan-muslim-bodies-instead-please-bury-them https://www.change.org/p/justin-trudeau-sri-lanka-becomes-the-only-country-in-the-world-to-forcibly-cremate-victims-of-covid-19 https://www.change.org/p/sri-lankan-government-stop-forced-covid-19-patient-cremations-in-sri-lanka https://www.change.org/p/sri-lank-stop-cremating-deceased-s-body-without-first-consulting-family-to-obtain-consent https://www.change.org/p/don-t-cremate-the-covid19-affected-sri-lankan-muslim-bodies-instead-please-bury-them-don-t-cremate-the-covid19-affected-sri-lankan-muslim-bodies-instead-please-bury-them https://www.change.org/p/united-nations-retain-the-right-of-covid-19-victims-of-religious-minorities-in-sri-lanka

30/04/2020
15/04/2020

Small fear whether the dead bodies with the virus can be used as biological weapons – Dr. Channa Perera tells BBC

https://english.theleader.lk/news/690-small-fear-whether-the-dead-bodies-with-the-virus-can-be-used-as-biological-weapons-dr-channa-perera-tells-bbc

15/04/2020
13/04/2020

Sri Lanka ignores Muslim protests, forces cremation for coronavirus victims – TRT World

Sri Lanka ignores Muslim protests, forces cremation for coronavirus victims – TRT World

https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/sri-lanka-ignores-muslim-protests-forces-cremation-for-coronavirus-victims-35373

12/04/2020

Sri Lanka makes cremation compulsary for Covid-19 deaths – The Times of India

Sri Lanka makes cremation compulsary for Covid-19 deaths – The Times of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/sri-lanka-makes-cremation-compulsory-for-covid-19-deaths/articleshow/75109273.cms

11/04/2020

Sri Lankan Government made cremation compulsaory for all victims of the virus, becoming the only country in the world to do so

Sri Lankan Government made cremation compulsaory for all victims of the virus, becoming the only country in the world to do so

Sri Lankan Government made cremation compulsaory for all victims of the virus, becoming the only..Read More

10/04/2020
10/04/2020
10/04/2020
10/04/2020

Burial vs cremation seen in the context of the viral threat – NewsIn Asia

Burial vs cremation seen in the context of the viral threat – NewsIn Asia

https://newsin.asia/burial-vs-cremation-seen-in-the-context-of-the-viral-threat/

09/04/2020
08/04/2020
08/04/2020
07/04/2020
06/04/2020

Sinhalese popstar Iraj Weeraratne, shared a false claim on Twitter that the ruler of Sharjah had banned burials in his emirate

Sinhalese popstar Iraj Weeraratne, shared a false claim on Twitter that the ruler of Sharjah had banned burials in his emirate

The pick-up from local Sri Lankan media and hardline Sinhalese-Buddhist nationalists was so extensive that..Read More

05/04/2020

Virus burial prevention move shocks Muslims

https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/sunday-times-sri-lanka/20200405/281582357740946

04/04/2020
04/04/2020
03/04/2020

Misleading claim circulates that Muslims ignored COVID-19 curfew at Sri Lankan mosque

Misleading claim circulates that Muslims ignored COVID-19 curfew at Sri Lankan mosque

A claim has been shared on Facebook and several Sri Lankan news websites that Muslims..Read More

03/04/2020
03/04/2020
31/03/2020
31/03/2020
31/03/2020
31/03/2020
31/03/2020
30/03/2020

First Muslim COVID-19 victim died. The body was cremated without the consent of his next of kin or family

First Muslim Covid19 victim died and cremated without the consent of his next of kin..Read More

27/03/2020
11/03/2020

The first Sri Lankan infected with COVID-19 was identified

https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/321466/sri-lanka-first-locally-transmitted-covid-19-case-march-11-update-3

10/03/2020

Reference Articles

WHO  guidelines https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/infection-prevention-and-control UK amends emergency Coronavirus legislation https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/03/23/emergency-coronavirus-legislation-altered-muslim-jewish-communities/   Singapore  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/bodies-of-covid-19-patients-to-be-handled-according-to-strict-protocols-which-include  India  https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/coronavirus-death-india-how-handle-covid-19-dead-bodies-1657799-2020-03-20 Iran  https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-03-18/coronavirus-deaths-in-iran-lead-to-mass-burial-pits-for-victims-families-it-is-changing-the-way-they-mourn ..Read More