Covid burial issue Mahanayake tells Bakir Markar health experts should decide

• Mahanayakes to issue a joint statement if the need arises
• The issue should not lead to any unrest

By Yohan Perera and Pushpakumara Hettiarachchi

The issue of the last rites of those who succumb to COVID-19 disease should be completely resolved by the medical experts but the Mahanayake Theras of the Three Chapters will discuss the issue if it becomes necessary and issue a joint statement, the Mahanayake of Ramanya Chapter the Most Venerable Makkulawe Wimala Thera has said yesterday. 

The Venerable Thera had made this remark when SJB MP Imtiaz Bakir Markar called on him to discuss the issue on the performing of last rites of those who succumb to COVID-19.
Mr Bakir Markar told Daily Mirror that Venerable Thera told him that the issue had to be fully resolved by the health experts.
He had also informed him that he would have discussions with other Mahanayake Theras if it becomes necessary.
Meanwhile, the Most Venerable Mahanayake Thera of Amarapura Chapter the Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhamawasa Thera had said he would send a delegation to meet President Gotabaya Rajapaksa if the need arises.

Mr Bakir Markar said the Mahanayake Theras of the Amarapura Chapter highlighted the fact that the issue should not create unrest amongst people of different religions.

“I also explained to both Mahanayake Theras that the issue should not lead to any unrest. The Mahanayake Thera of Ramanya Chapter told me that he would talk to the Mahanayake Theras of other Chapters if the need arises while the matter has to be dealt by the medical experts,” Mr Bakir Markar said.

• The issue of the last rites of those who succumb to COVID-19 disease should be completely resolved by the medical experts but the Mahanayake Theras will issue a joint statement if necessary
• The Mahanayake Thera of the Amarapura Chapter highlighted the fact that the issue should not create unrest amongst people of different religions