Final rites of COVID-19 victims Cremation still in effect, says Health Ministry

• Cremating of COVID victims had become a law in the country through a gazette notification  
• If this is to be amended, there should be a particular procedure

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Despite Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa having said that burial would be allowed for those who succumb to COVID-19, the Health Ministry said they are still following the cremation rule.  

Deputy Director of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told media that cremating of COVID victims had become a law in the country through a gazette notification.  
“If this is to be amended, there should be a particular procedure,” Dr. Herath said.  

“Therefore, cremation is what is in effect at present, until the relevant laws are amended accordingly,” he added.  

Premier Rajapaksa recently said in Parliament that the Government would allow to bury those who die of COVID-19.