Minister urges prompt Muslim burial rites, calls for adherence to pre-COVID procedures

Colombo, October 25 (Daily Mirror) - Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath has addressed concerns over delays in performing Muslim burial rites, said that final rites should be carried out promptly.

Civil society representatives noted that in some areas, lengthy certificate procedures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic are still being followed, causing delays in burials.

In response, Minister Herath confirmed that a circular has already been issued to reinstate pre-pandemic procedures regarding deaths, and relevant officials have been instructed to comply. He also requested that any area still operating under outdated Covid-era procedures present the circular so that corrective action can be taken to prevent further delays.

The discussion was attended by 30 representatives from 15 organizations, including the All Ceylon Jamiatul Ulama Organization, representing Muslim civil society leaders.