“The common assumption that people who died of a communicable disease should be cremated to prevent spread is not supported by evidence. Instead, cremation is a matter of cultural choice and available resources. According to World Health Organization guidance, people who have died from COVID-19 can therefore be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences, with appropriate protocols for handling the body,” the United Nations has said today.
Writing to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer urged Sri Lankan government to allow the safe and dignified burial of COVID-19 victims.
Hanaa Singer and Mahinda Rajapaksa
We publish below the letter in full:
12 November 2020
Hon Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa
Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Prime Minister’s Office
Temple Trees
Colombo 3
Honourable Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa,
Allow me to reiterate the solidarity of the United Nations with the people of Sri Lanka in these challenging times marked by the COVID-19 emergency. Please be assured that the United Nations and its specialized agencies, funds and programmes will continue providing support on the management of the epidemic.
Across the world, the safe and dignified handling of those patients whose life has been tragically claimed by this virus has been an important part of the COVID-19 response.
I am following with encouragement recent media reports that the current prohibition of burials of COVID-19 victims in Sri Lanka could be revisited shortly. In this context, I wish to take the opportunity to reiterate the concerns of the United Nations with the existing Ministry of Health guidelines, which stipulate cremation as the only method for the disposal of bodies suspected of COVID-19 infection.
The World Health Organization, in its 24 March 2020 and subsequent updated interim guidance on 4 September 2020 on the “Infection prevention and control for the safe management of a dead body in the context of COVID-19”, notes that based on current knowledge of the symptoms of COVID-19 and its main modes of transmission (droplet/contact), the likelihood of transmission when handling human remains is low. The common assumption that people who died of a communicable disease should be cremated to prevent spread is not supported by evidence. Instead, cremation is a matter of cultural choice and available resources. According to World Health Organization guidance, people who have died from COVID-19 can therefore be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences, with appropriate protocols for handling the body.
In the same context, I deem it important to inform you that I have received impassioned appeals from within and outside the Muslim community that perceive the current policy on burials as discriminatory. Against this background, I fear that not allowing burials is having a negative effect on social cohesion and, more importantly, could also adversely impact the measures for containing the spread of the virus as it may discourage people to access medical care when they have symptoms or history of contact.
I recognize that during epidemics, for reasons of public health, Governments often need to take difficult and at times unpopular measures. However, in this case, the negative consequences of not allowing burials seem to outweigh any potential epidemiological benefit. Considering the evidenced-based guidance of the World Health Organization, as well as the commitments of the Government of Sri Lanka to respect and uphold the rights of all communities, I therefore express my hope that the existing policy be revised so as to allow the safe and dignified burial of COVID-19 victims.
The United Nations avails itself of this opportunity to renew its highest consideration to the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and stands ready to provide any relevant support on this matter.
Yours sincerely
Ms Hanaa Singer
UN Resident Coordinator
C.c: Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Foreign Relations
Hon. Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine
Hon. Ali Sabry, Minister of Justice
Ashan / November 12, 2020
As long as it is within regulations set down by the world’s biggest Health Organization, who has put out guidelines for the entire world to follow, why is it hard to conform to these regulations, and why are the Muslims treated like they are asking for the moon? Small issues relating to the minority in this country, especially ones that inconvenience no one, seem to be magnified, and made into a wedge issue, by those that govern. Is this the way to have a united nation, or is it simply an opportunity for those in power to show their Sinhala Buddhist majority base that the minority will always have to beg and grovel even to bury their dead?
/
Al Maghribi / November 13, 2020
Hi Ashan, well summarised. The scar of cremating Muslims will live in the hearts and minds of every Muslim against international norms. Eventually, this will dilute the confidence placed with those who govern and the responsibility for this injustice. Muslims have no other option but to turn to Allah, the creator of the universe for solace and justice.
Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him, we will return.
/
Stanley / November 14, 2020
Ashan, Maghribi, if burial was against WHO guidelines do you think the world’s Muslims will follow them?
/
SJ / November 14, 2020
Ashan
Thanks.
The Muslim practice of disposing of the remains within24 hours of death is something that all others should follow in the interest of physical and mental health
/
soma / November 15, 2020
Ashan
Should the body be immediately handed over to the relatives for burial within 24 hours or the burial must be carried out by the government sanitory protected personnel who are non Muslims?
What is your opinion?
–
Soma
/
Sinhala_Man / November 12, 2020
Sri Lankans appear to have more prejudices than most; it, therefore, becomes necessary for a person outside the system to give advice.
.
Actually my view is that we have a government that knowingly “plays to the gallery.”
.
Scientists are sometimes wrong; sociologists are not taken seriously enough. I know that it is true that we have been making a mess of this country owing to communalism.
.
We don’t like to “orders” from foreigners; let us treat this as advice and act rationally. I’ve just made a comment here:
.
https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/politics-behind-muslim-burial/
.
I’ve done my share of pouring water on duck’s back.
.
Que sera, sera.
.
P.S. When was maskless photograph taken? Were hands washed before and after?
/
Ashan / November 12, 2020
Some Sri Lankans don’t like taking “orders” from foreigners, but seem to be quite okay with the charity and endless aid we beg for, and take from, these foreigners.
These are not “orders”, these are researched scientific data most of the world follow, to keep their citizens safe. Educating the ignorant during a pandemic will help towards cooperation, and working together to control it. Making mountains out of molehills for political reasons is ill advised, and an effort to distract the nation from the failures of the government.
/
leelagemalli / November 13, 2020
Dear Mr SM,
.
I am in full agreement with you.
.
“Sri Lankans appear to have more prejudices than most; it, therefore, becomes necessary for a person outside the system to give advice.
.
Actually my view is that we have a government that knowingly “plays to the gallery.””
–
Most of them down there in my home country would NOT know much about the basics of microbiology. Nor would they have general knowledge about science yet today. Internet connects them, but most of them would not care much about improvement of their knowledge through googling, instead, they are made addicts to FB/Tweeter/or any other of that nature. If they would have been asked to believe, viruses are creations of the invisible forces, I ll bet you, millions would line up behind that. Even more would be there, if some mean pinguththaarayas would make a public statement about that…. there are millions to get caught easily. That is nature of srilanken average.
.
/
leelagemalli / November 13, 2020
Continuing
.
Recent/Best Examples
Almost anyone with a little brain would be clear, WATER SNAKES would not have carrier abilities of a PITHTHALA pahana (a lamp – product of brass) made in Pilimathalawa, as reported in local media, but Soborne Unversity educated, diehard supporter to RAJAPAKSHE CRIMINAL world, incumbent chieft monk of so called most respectable Kelaniya temple (until shortly) had the audacity to make a public statement which misled millions of easy targets in the country. This man wearing a sanga costume would go on coughing about Rajakashes and their wonders. As of today, we experience, how much damage the bugger monk has made to the innocient people.
.
People are made to believe that Elantha White (so called royal medical doctor but not even the least knowledge in human biology – but a diehard another asskisser or Rajathuma) could heal anyone but there are a number of victims by being misled by his therapies. Some costed their lives.
-What will be will beWhat will be will beWhat will be will be
yes agree with you… What will be will beWhat will be will beWhat will be will beWhat will be will be
/
Native Vedda / November 13, 2020
Sinhala_Man
–
The President believes he is himself a strongman of Sinhala/Buddhist origin from Sinhala/Buddhist country, and believes his word is as good as his writ. He also believes “Sacred Tooth Relic protected Nation right throughout”.
–
The president has proved he is an ineffective leader, rudderless, just like a battered ship, he does not know whether county is going or coming. The only person who knows what he wants and how to get is his brother Basil. He is planning to take total control of farm produces, retail businesses, ….. every corner shop.
–
The military man Shavendra is lost, he says only 5 people have died due to Corona. According to him rest died due to other unknown illness. The media reported 47 death due to corona. Did the health department forget to inform this single handed general the death of 42 people more corona victims.
–
Lot of things wrong with this country. As usual Gota thought he could manage the country with the surplus uniformed dums asses. He is failing miserably.
Who is responsible for electing dumasses? Actually it is the 42% of the electors, the biggest dumbasses who voted for the clan.
/
Ajay / November 12, 2020
A well-deserved devastating blow to:
racism, prejudice, and the politicization of illness
“non-western science”
Nalin de Silva’s pseudo-science in the name of Buddhism
Jathika Chinthana
Mahinda-Pavithra-Elyantha Snake Medicine
horapalana in the name of Viyath Maga.
/
Simon / November 12, 2020
Who started the controversy in regard to burials of the deceased in Sri Lanka? Didn’t the Ministry of Health know of the “Guide Lines” issued by the WHO as far back as March 2020 available when formulating the applicable manner of disposing of dead bodies of all who succumbed to the disease? This is always the case in the Administrative set up of Sri Lanka. Either they do these types of blunders purposely or simply through ignorance formulate procedures guided on impulse later to realize and reap the wrath of the people affected. Even when information and guidelines are available and see the practices followed elsewhere, these “Pandits” don’t bother to correct the mistakes. For how long this “controversy” was going on? No one thought it fit to give consideration until the matter escalated to a huge political problem. Now, if and when this request is granted due consideration, there will never be a settlement, because it has grown to be a “Political” and a “Communal” issue. I wonder whether this “Controversy” was a necessary “Evil” created by authorities to “WIN” the hearts and minds of a community that was marginalized during election times. It could be because politics in Sri Lanka is so “DIRTY GAME”.
/
sitrep24 / November 13, 2020
There is absolutely no scientific reason to force cremation on those seeking to bury their loved ones. The world’s leading scientists who are working day and night to end this pandemic have permitted burials citing there is NO RISK of contamination to the surrounding eco system. There is only one reason why forced cremation is a thing in this country; it is because of arrogant transgressors that are hell bent on carrying out the policy that harms the Muslim community the most. Honestly this is such a sad and pathetic that some groups (clergy, admin and citizens) have sunk to this level. You are living in a third world country that is trapped for the foreseeable future by the USA, india and china, most of your citizens in village areas are starving due to the economic impact of the mismanagement of the pandemic, most of the population have not seen any sort of development other than for Colombo being dolled up for the chogm conference. Honestly just what are you so arrogant about, you are absolute nobodies on the world stage. No one regards you when you walk in the streets of foreign country’s, they think you illegally came on a boat to run away from your failed state. What are you so arrogant about ?
/
Good Sense / November 13, 2020
The essence of this letter is, quoting verbatim “Across the world, the safe and dignified handling of those patients whose life has been tragically claimed by this virus has been an important part of the COVID-19 response.”. It follows that the last rites must be safe and dignified. In the absence of the reverse of the sequence, namely, dignified, and safe, it follows that firstly it must be safe and subject to the same it must be dignified. It has become a heart-breaking issue for many, irrespective of any ethnicity and religion, to shove the body into the crematorium without the performance of any religious rites whatsoever. Although the disposal of safety clothes of those who were associated with the cremation is a necessity and is a part of the safety precaution some felt badly to see them shoved into the crematorium along with the body. My view is that though the letter, unlike others in the past from various diplomats, is within bounds and it should have emphasized more on the willingness to provide technical assistance in developing standards for the conduct of COVID funerals in Sri Lanka.
/
GATAM / November 13, 2020
WHO still says the risk of transmission is low. They don’t say it is zero. Why take the risk. Just cremate all without discrimination.
COVID-19 or not Singapore cremates all dead. SL must do the same.
The demand for burial is based on nonsensical and hilarious superstitions.
/
Sugandh / November 13, 2020
Dear GATAM;
Singapore’s National Environmental Agency states otherwise, in complete contradiction to your post;
https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/after-death/post-death-matters/burial-cremation-and-ash-storage
–
The Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex is the only cemetery in Singapore still open for burials;
Choa Chu Kang Muslim Cemetery
Choa Chu Kang Ahmadiyya Jama’at Cemetery
Choa Chu Kang Jewish Cemetery
Choa Chu Kang Parsi Cemetery
Choa Chu Kang Bahai Cemetery
Other cemeteries at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery; Christian, Chinese, Hindu, Lawn etc
/
GATAM / November 14, 2020
Dear Sugandh
Your post proves my point. Only one cemetery in Singapore allows burial! Cremation in all other cases. Even there the remains are exhumed in a few years and cremated.
In Singapore most popular among burials is sea burial!! May be SL can do same – sea burial. In 2010 Osama too got a sea burial so it is accepted.
SL can allow sea burial 100km off the shore.
Land burial in Katankudi, Sammanthurai, Muttur is OK.
/
Sugandh / November 16, 2020
Dear GATAM,
Once again, you’re dispersing misinformation.
–
“With effect from 1 November 1998, the burial period for all graves will be limited to 15 years. At the end of 15 years, the graves will be exhumed. For those whose religions permit cremation, the exhumed remains will be cremated and stored in columbaria niches. Where burial is mandated by religion, the exhumed remains will be re-buried in smaller individual plots.”
–
“A Sustainable Future – Crypt Burial System:
NEA introduced the Crypt Burial System (CBS) in 2007 to improve the traditional soil burial system and optimise land use. Designed with the sustainability of future generations in mind, it is projected that the CBS can address Singapore’s burial needs and extend the cemetery land usage.”
–
https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/after-death/post-death-matters/burial-cremation-and-ash-storage
–
As you can see, Singapore is committed to respecting the religious rights of its citizens for the long haul. Innovation is Singapore’s means to success. No opportunism to advance bigotry.
/
Native Vedda / November 13, 2020
GATAM
–
“WHO still says the risk of transmission is low.”
–
Who else do you think, it is none other than your single handed Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, Shavendra Silva, WWV, RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, ndc, psc, ….. …… ….. ….. …..
–
He says total Corona victims todate is 5 whereas the media reported it was 47.
/
Eagle Eye / November 13, 2020
“The common assumption that people who died of a communicable disease should be cremated to prevent spread is not supported by evidence. ..”
===
It is a pity that a world body like WHO making this kind of an irresponsible statement regarding COVID-19 which is a new virus. Making conclusions based on past experiences regarding a new virus is stupid. The impact of burying COVID-19 infected dead bodies may not be visible within a short period. The ‘common assumption of people’ should be accepted or rejected based on scientific research. My view is that the time frame is too short to do research on this issue and make conclusions. I doubt whether adequate scientific research have been conducted to say that the common assumption of people is not supported with evidence. If they have evidence, those evidences should be produced and how and from where those evidences were obtained also should be revealed to the public. Have they done that? Under such circumstances a Government responsible for the health of people for generations to come has to adopt the least risky method based on assessment made by local experts in this field to dispose COVID-19 dead bodies. I guess that is what WHO meant by ‘According to local standards’. Religion and family preferences are secondary during a pandemic.
/
Native Vedda / November 14, 2020
Eagle Brain Dead Blind Eye
–
“Making conclusions based on past experiences regarding a new virus is stupid. “
–
Therefore I insist that Shavendra should be stripped of his uniform and ordered to work as grave digger in Keheliya Rambukwella’s yet to be discovered island.
/
Native Vedda / November 13, 2020
Sinhala_Man
–
The Saffron clad thugs should be told to shut up at least for the next 30 years. Saffron thug Gnanasara insist on cremating Muslim Corona victims. However his political masters are scared to go against him. Nearly 189 countries bury their Covid 19 victims.
Why cannot a handful of Muslim corona victims have the same facilities or continue their custom as practiced abroad?
–
These thugs need conflicts, issues to keep the confrontation going on.
/
SAM / November 13, 2020
The problem with Muslims is even in the midst of a global pandemic – they only want to selfishly pursue their religion, and that also for a dead body (not even for the living)– a body doesn’t even say he wants it. COVID burial has lots of issues.. lot of unknown’s – even CDC keeps updating how this virus changes
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331538/WHO-COVID-19-lPC_DBMgmt-2020.1-eng.pdf
If there is a risk of splashes from the body fluids or secretions, personnel should use facial protection, including the use of face shield or goggles and medical mask
Body bags are not necessary, although they may be used for other reasons (e.g. excessive body fluid leakage); and etc Water table of a land – (Is Jawatta burial ground secure to water sources?)
The issue is not whether a body can or can’t be buried safety. The key issue is at a time of such a high risk global pandemic, with high risk of aggressive infections; the Muslim ethnicity is shamelessly, selfishly and insistently asking for a burial method – that has more risk of infections than a cremation.. !!
In Sydney / AUSTRALIA – they are checking for covid using the sewage – an infected person’s faeces
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/sewage-surveillance.aspx
/
Native Vedda / November 13, 2020
SAM
–
“The problem with Muslims is even in the midst of a global pandemic – they only want to selfishly pursue their religion, and that also for a dead body (not even for the living)”
–
Muslims are strictly following Mahinda and Gota, both never stopped visiting Vihares, meeting members of saffron brigades, organising Hindu religious festivals at official residence, ……. members of armed forces visiting Asgiriya seeking blessing, …..
–
Why not Muslims?
What seems to be your problem, is it really to do with health or prejudice?
/
SJ / November 14, 2020
SAM
Do you not treat dead bodies of your family with dignity and respect?
/
Sunil Abeyratne / November 13, 2020
To The Editor,
Dignified burials against the risk of viral infections arising out of burying infected cadavers.
What does Hanaa Singer know about the water table in some areas in Sri Lanka?
/
Maghribi / November 13, 2020
Cremation can also pollute the environment if one believes in pseudoscience. Islamophobes need no scientific evidence to hate Muslims/Islam. Hate is a self-destructive emotion.
/
Sunil Abeyratne / November 14, 2020
Hello Maghribi,
Yes.
Cremations pollute. Burials are more environmentally friendly under normal circumstances.
There is no religious hatred.
/
Native Vedda / November 13, 2020
Sunil Abeyratne
–
“What does Hanaa Singer know about the water table in some areas in Sri Lanka?”
–
Is it why Keheliya Rambukwella looking for uninhibited island?
/
Sunil Abeyratne / November 14, 2020
Hello Native Vedda,
Thanks.
—
“Is it why Keheliya Rambukwella looking for uninhibited island”
%%
Wonder if you intended to say ‘uninhabited’ instead of ‘uninhibited’.
%%
I don’t know who Keheliya Rambukwella is!!
/
Native Vedda / November 14, 2020
Sunil Abeyratne
–
Thanks for spotting the error.
Keheliya Rambukwella is the spokesperson for the government, who has a colourful past, …..
Many of my friends hope he never opens his mouth.
/
Sunil Abeyratne / November 14, 2020
Native,
Thanks!
/
old codger / November 14, 2020
Native,
If Keheliya is looking for an uninhibited island, I suspect his motives . Chee! At his age!
Be safe. Watch your keyboard.
/
Native Vedda / November 14, 2020
old codger
–
Thanks
–
“Watch your keyboard.”
–
What have I done?
–
Take care.
Shavendra’s Military intelligence knows when and where I go to toilet. So there is no privacy, however there is a lot of stupidity all around.
/
SJ / November 14, 2020
SA
Is there credible evidence that the Corona Virus spreads through sub-soil routes?
If there was the slightest likelihood, many countries with Christian, Muslim and Jewish populations would have responded accordingly.
*
Many comments here are base on vile gossip than well founded scientific information.
We should be alert to anti-Muslim prejudices, especially among the educated middle classes of Sinhalese and Tamils (perhaps a degree worse from what I see here).
/
Sunil Abeyratne / November 14, 2020
SJ
Thanks for raising an important point. What you say is very true and I could be wrong.
I would certainly change my view if it is not supported by evidence.
In Southern Sri Lanka, water table is very high.
COVID remains active in human sewage. In fact, sewage testing has become a common technique to identify precisely where COVID patients reside. This is being currently done in both Australia and New Zealand (the strategy is total elimination until an effective vaccine is developed). I do not know if these two facts in combination would provide the basis to be cautious about burying. Undoubtedly, burying is more natural than cremation (air pollution).
Can other readers provide any research on the impacts burial of infected cadavers might have on ground water?
/
Noel / November 14, 2020
It is safe to cremate than burying that could pollute and during this critical time one must respect and be guided by science. Religions can be cause of many conflicts and it’s time we get a bit serious and tackle this pandemic in a rational way. Mass burials in South American states had encourage the spread where constant rains had helped to spread virus to other visitors to the cemeteries. I have given my consent to cremate me should I get infected and die which is the right thing to do..
/
Native Vedda / November 14, 2020
Noel
–
“Religions can be cause of many conflicts and it’s time we get a bit serious and tackle this pandemic in a rational way.”
–
Of course you are right, I agree it’s time we get a bit serious and tackle this pandemic in a rational way, first lets deal with the saffron brigade and then the 400,000 Ranavirus and then Gota and his b***s carriers, and then his clan, and their coteries, then their supporters, ….. perhaps you too.
/
SJ / November 14, 2020
Noel
“Mass burials in South American states had encourage the spread “
Could you kindly name the source of this story?
/
GATAM / November 14, 2020
If Muslims cannot live under SL law, policy and tradition, the island must be equitably divided to allow a Muslim only country in the east where all Muslim practices can be done where all Muslims of the island will live. Problem solved. Increasingly it is apparent that the only solution to all the problems faced by SL minorities is to divide the island equitably to allow 3 mono ethnic nations.
/
Rohan25 / November 14, 2020
There you go, like a typical Southern Muslim troublemaker , want to claim large chunks of the Tamil east , for your immigrant South Indian converted community , who are in reality ethnically Tamil and only arrived in the east a few centuries ago as refugees. Now wanting the steal the east from its rightful Tamil owners. Unlike the Sinhalese and the Sri Lankan Tamils, the Sri Lankan Muslims are recent Dravidian ,immigrants from South India and not indigenous to the island and have no history of owning or ruling the land. Largely arrived in the island as either refugees fleeing persecution or for trading purposes. Recent immigrants do not have any right to go around claiming lands as theirs in their host country. They have every right to live to be treated with dignity and live in peace but have no right to go around stealing other people’s lands.72% of the island’s Muslims live in the Sinhalese south and there are many Muslim majority villages and towns down south. Even many Muslim majority suburbs in Colombo. However no clamour for creation of an Islamic state in these areas , where the vast majority of them live. Strange! As they know of the consequences , at the hands of the Sinhalese .
/
Rohan25 / November 14, 2020
Only a clamour for an Islamic homeland in the Tamil north and east , where 28% of them live, largely along the southern eastern coastal belt starting from Kalmunai south to Sainthamaruthu in the Amparai district. With two other overpopulated ghettoes in Kattankudi in tge Batticaloa district and Mutur in Trincomalee. These Muslims share a common language , ethnicity and heritage with the Tamils of the North and East. All the place names, other than the names recently Sinhalized by the Sri Lankan state and history of the east attest to its ancient Tamil heritage. Strangely only want an Islamic state in Tamil areas , as they think the Tamils are weak and they can get away with it . They are also encouraged and funded to do this by the Sinhalese led Sri Lanka state and certain Islamic nations. The Sinhalese are deliberately trying to divide and rule and muddy the waters for the Tamil claim for justice and land in their ancient historical homelands in the North t and East and these Islamic nations are seizing an opportunity to create another Islamic hell hole in South Asia, again at the doorstep of India. People who arrived as refugees a few centuries ago , now ,in the name of Islam, trying to steal the land of the people who took pity on them as they were fellow Tamils and gave them refuge .
/
Rohan25 / November 14, 2020
The Sinhalese are deliberately trying to divide and rule and muddy the waters for the Tamil claim for justice and land in their ancient historical homelands in the North t and East and these Islamic nations are seizing an opportunity to create another Islamic hell hole in South Asia, again at the doorstep of India. People who arrived as refugees a few centuries ago , now ,in the name of Islam, trying to steal the land of the people who took pity on them as they were fellow Tamils and gave them refuge .
/
Thiagarajah Venugopal / November 14, 2020
4 ghettos when I last counted Gatam? could be more?
/
Native Vedda / November 14, 2020
GATAM
–
“If Muslims cannot live under SL law, policy and tradition, the island must be equitably divided to allow a Muslim only country in the east ….”
–
Haven’t you visited the Islamic Republic of Kattankudy?
/
GATAM / November 14, 2020
Sri Lanka will not change. Apparently SL has a history of 3,000 years of doing what it does. So either you change or leave SL or keep crying. Nothing will change. 3,000 years of history weighs heavy on SL.
/
SJ / November 14, 2020
G
Do you have the foggiest idea of how the Muslim population is distributed and how heavily the community relies on trade with other communities for its survival?
The Hill Country Tamils assert separate identity.
Then what about the Malays and Burghers?
And we always forget the Aththo!
*
Take an all-round view of problems and avoid knee-jerk responses.
/
SJ / November 14, 2020
G
I realize that you were being sarcastic.
But this is serious business.
Earlier you lied about Singapore.
Many confuse the spread of bacterial infection (like that of cholera) with spread of viral infection. In fact very few bother to inquire about what a virus is.
/
GATAM / November 14, 2020
Keep begging. SL will not change. Haven’t you learned a thing for 72 long years!! SL treats minorities bad. Pushes them to war and beats them badly in war. This is the cycle you want repeated and SL happily obliges! Both sides don’t see beyond the trap they are in.
The only dignified solution is to divide the island to create 3 mono ethnic nations. Until then the majority discrimination, minority begging, warring, genocide weeping cycle will not end. Face facts please.
/
soma / November 15, 2020
GATAM
Muslims living in other parts of the country should be encouraged to move into the East in order to facillitate this proposal.
–
Soma
/
hanchopancha / November 14, 2020
UN is the number one cost ineffective entity, what they call a white elephant in the world. Ms. Singer is only barking at trees. Without resolute action taken against injustice must be laughed off or decried. Maintaining comfy offices and seat warming staff amount to stealing from the under privileged people of the world. Genuine complaints of injustice made to them go unheeded into stone deaf ears.
/
Punchi Point / November 14, 2020
Its totally irresponsible of the UN to give guarantees for unknowns. The UN should stop these deceptions. Its the UN’s deceptions, negligence and arrogance that a completely containable local epidemic became a global pandemic. The world must stop listening to this totally discredited untrustworthy organisation, whose totally clueless employees like this Hanaa Singer from Egypt and probably a Muslim herself comes out and gives recommendations and makes demands, which can have fatal consequences for the whole human population and wildlife in Sri Lanka. We should not listen or adhere by these clueless UN personnel and their recommendations, when we cannot hold them responsible when things go wrong, like in this instance, where WHO’s deceptions, arrogance and inaction made a totally containable local epidemic in China into a global uncontrollable vicious pandemic. Thousands upon thousands of innocent people have died because of the UN’s misinformation on this virus from the very start. Now they are recommending burials based on imaginary nonexistent evidence!! Why don’t you show us the evidence? The truth of the matter is that the scientific community is nowhere near knowing absolutely everything about how long and how this virus survives or dies, as of today.
/
Native Vedda / November 15, 2020
Punchi Point
Punchi Brain
Punchi Willi
–
“Why don’t you show us the evidence? “
–
What evidence?
Even if scientists provide fool proof ironclad scientific evidence dumasses of this island cannot or will understand as they see everything through their racist eyes, mindset, while keeping their head buried inside ……. whatever.
–
The best thing is pull your head wherever it is now.
/
RBH59 / November 15, 2020
The negative consequences of not allowing burials seem to outweigh any potential epidemiological benefit.
Transmission of viruses from that cannot come out from berial gropund like a snake. of be drained & soils physically and chemically filter impurities out of water
/
Punchi Point / November 15, 2020
All of us must remember how WHO maintained that there was no evidence of human to human transmission of the Coronavirus, even as late as mid-January 2020, while there was ample evidence to the contrary. Its just the same thing now, with the burial issue – while there is ample evidence of virus contamination of groundwater from buried corpses, WHO maintains that it is safe to bury the victims of Coronavirus. What is so special about the Coronavirus which makes it die with the host, because that is what is needed to be sure that virus from the corpses of Coronavirus dead, will not contaminate the soil and the groundwater, which in turn will spread the virus and even facilitate mutations which will undoubtedly make the virus jump species and possibly come back to infect us with a deadlier version. While the UN says “The common assumption that people who died of a communicable disease should be cremated to prevent spread is not supported by evidence” , the truth of the matter is that there is ample evidence to the contrary, while there is zero evidence that it is 100% safe to bury the Covid-19 dead.
/
Punchi Point / November 15, 2020
Look at how badly and irresponsibly the WHO handled this sickness from the very start, with total misinformation and downplaying the danger of the spreading of the virus:
On January 12th 2020 WHO stated:
“At this stage, there is no infection among healthcare workers, and no clear evidence of human to human transmission”.
On January 14th 2020 a WHO twit said:
“Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) identified, in Wuhan China”.
Now there is a page at WHO website with the heading “WHO Timeline – COVID-19”. It states:
“This statement is no longer maintained. An updated version was published on 29 June 2020”.
So the question is, is it going to be the same with the WHO recommendation of burials in a few months time? They just update and retract their statements and recommendations and all is going to be well? How many thousands of lives could have been saved, had the UN acted responsibly from the very start and requested China to lockdown the country already in the last days of December/early January?
/