Burial of COVID-19 dead an environmental prejudice: Professor

• Groundwater and soil could be contaminated due to the burial of dead bodies infected with coronavirus

By Yoshitha Perera 

The burial of those who succumb to COVID-19 is an environmental prejudice, Professor of Geology Ms. Methika Withanage told the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday while submitting a report.  

Attorney Sanjeewa Jayawardena appearing on behalf of Prof. Withanage informed court that according to his client, groundwater and soil could be contaminated due to the burial of dead bodies infected with coronavirus. 
He submitted the report to court during the hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed by 12 individuals including the son of a patient who allegedly died of COVID-19.