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

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
Sri Lanka finally lifts ban on burial of COVID victims
Sri Lanka finally lifts ban on burial of COVID victims
Sri Lanka human rights: UK seeks new UN resolution on abuses
Sri Lanka human rights: UK seeks new UN resolution on abuses
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
Burial of Covid-19 deceased: #StopForcedCremations continues
https://www.themorning.lk/burial-of-covid-19-deceased-stopforcedcremations-continues/
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
Cremation still in effect for COVID19 deaths insists Sri Lanka Health Ministry
Cremation still in effect for COVID19 deaths insists Sri Lanka Health Ministry
Covid-19 Forced Cremations Continue in Sri Lanka – HRW
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/02/16/covid-19-forced-cremations-continue-sri-lanka
“Yes To Burials; But Not Covid” – Emperor’s ‘Racist’ Clothes Laid Bare!
“Yes To Burials; But Not Covid” – Emperor’s ‘Racist’ Clothes Laid Bare!
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
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
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
PM’s Statement on Permission of Burial for Covid19 Death’s is NOT True: PM Office Senior Staff responds to the query by The Leader
PM’s Statement on Permission of Burial for Covid19 Death’s is NOT True : PM Office..Read More
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
Sri Lanka to allow COVID burials for Muslims after outcry
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/10/sri-lanka-allows-first-covid-burial
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
Mandatory cremations and the voices of the families
Mandatory cremations and the voices of the families
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
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
Loved Ones Lost: The Pain Behind Forced Cremations
Loved Ones Lost: The Pain Behind Forced Cremations
Families victimised by mandatory cremation policy hail Bachelet’s Report to UNHRC
Families victimised by mandatory cremation policy hail Bachelet’s Report to UNHRC
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
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
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
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
Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon Tweet
The UK urges Sri Lanka to permit burials for #COVID19 victims in line with @WHO..Read More
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/
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
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
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/
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/
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
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
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/
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
Appeal to End Forced Cremation of Covid-19 Victims in Sri Lanka
Australian Advocacy for Good Governance in Sri Lanka
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/
Watch our show: Sri Lanka Forced Cremation
Mujahid Talks with Imam Malik Mujahid in conversation with Sir Iqbal Sacranie – Senior Advisor..Read More
Contentious ‘Forced Cremation’ Issue: Danger Of Muslim Emotions Being Exploited!
https://www.prgsrilanka.org/contentious-forced-cremation-issue-danger-of-muslim-emotions-being-exploited/
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
Survival of Coronaviruses in Water and Wastewater
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7091381/
Covid-19: Sri Lanka forcibly cremates Muslim baby sparking anger
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-55359285
Muslims are being forcefully cremated – British Muslim TV
Muslims are being forcefully cremated ⚠️ The Sri Lankan ?? government is forcing those who..Read More
Letter from Muslim doctors to Sri Lanka
FIMA President Prof. Dr. M. İhsan Karaman explained that FIMA (Federation of Islamic Medical Associations),..Read More
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
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
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
Sri Lanka’s Anglican Church condemns human rights violations
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/201213/news/sri-lankas-anglican-church-condemns-human-rights-violations
London Protest Against Forced Cremations in Sri Lanka
https://www.prgsrilanka.org/uk-protest-against-forced-cremations
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
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
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
A man protested against Forced Cremations in Vavuniya Sri Lanka
https://fb.watch/2m3UxZ4-rk/
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
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
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
Dr Nihal Abeysinghe regarding forced cremation
Dr Nihal Abeysinghe, former government chief virologist and epidemiologist in talk with Chamudiththa He clearly..Read More
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
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
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
Naz Shah MP has written to the UK Government raising huge concerns about Sri Lanka’s Minority Muslim population reportedly being cremated without consent, if they die from COVID-19.
Today, I have written to the UK Government raising huge concerns about Sri-Lanka's Minority Muslim..Read More
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
Malaysian Muslim organisation calls on Sri Lanka to approve Islamic practice
Malaysian Muslim organisation calls on Sri Lanka to approve Islamic practice
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dr Ruvaiz Haniffa’s Message
Government and its leaders should immediately stop harassing the Muslim community in the country, this..Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Virus burial prevention move shocks Muslims
https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/sunday-times-sri-lanka/20200405/281582357740946
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
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
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
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