{"id":215703,"date":"2021-01-06T16:15:31","date_gmt":"2021-01-06T10:45:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/?p=215703"},"modified":"2021-01-13T09:35:07","modified_gmt":"2021-01-13T04:05:07","slug":"when-monks-politicians-behave-like-virologists-hydrogeologists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/index.php\/when-monks-politicians-behave-like-virologists-hydrogeologists\/","title":{"rendered":"When Monks &#038; Politicians Behave Like Virologists &#038; Hydrogeologists"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><b>By <a style=\"color: #ff6600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/?s=Mass+L.+Usuf\">Mass L. Usuf<\/a> &#8211;<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_168796\" style=\"width: 160px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Mass-Usuf.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-168796\" class=\"size-full wp-image-168796\" src=\"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Mass-Usuf.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Mass-Usuf.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Mass-Usuf-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-168796\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mass Usuf<\/p><\/div>\n<p><b><i>\u201cThe corrupt and the good are not equal, though the abundance of the corrupt please thee.\u201d<\/i><\/b>\u00a0~ (Quran: Chapter 5 Verse 100)<\/p>\n<p>The government has clearly messed up a simple matter which could have been resolved by firm executive action.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>With the outbreak of Covid-19 virus pandemic in late 2019, the WHO guidelines with regard to the disposal of <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><a style=\"color: #ff6600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/?s=Covid-19\">Covid-19<\/a><\/span> infected dead bodies were already out.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>It very clearly recommended either cremation or burial as a safe mode of disposal.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>When the WHO give guidelines, they do it with authority and certainty. There are highly trained and experienced professionals who serve in that world body.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>In its Code of Conduct for Responsible Research, it is stated:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWHO is committed to the highest standards of research integrity and promotes high quality research that is ethical, expertly reviewed, efficient, accessible, transparent, carefully monitored and rigorously evaluated.\u201d (Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, April 2017 of WHO).<\/p>\n<p>Research is defined as the development of knowledge with the aim of understanding health challenges. This definition covers the full spectrum of research, which spans five generic areas of\u00a0activity:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>1. measuring the problem;<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>2. understanding its cause(s);<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>3. elaborating solutions;<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>4. translating the solutions or evidence\u00a0into the policy, practice and products; and<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>5. evaluating the effectiveness of proposed health solutions.<\/p>\n<p>It is sequel to such strict research conditions that the WHO had prescribed that both burial and cremation are safe. As such there was no reason at all for anyone to doubt the recommendations of the WHO.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>But, only in Sri Lanka, the WHO guidelines were not followed. A very unusual challenge coming from a developing country which does not have the benefit of diverse and cumulative specialist knowledge as that of the WHO.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Moreover, daring to do so, without any state-of-the-art laboratory research infrastructure and lacking the scientific knowhow in comparison to the WHO.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><b>Unnecessary Change<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>This was the beginning of the sinister plot, as the narrative reveals, which has unfolded itself in its fullest form.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Something that was not conspicuous at the time it was hatched early last year. The Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance No.3 of 1897 under Section 3. (1) states, \u201cThe regulations made under section 2 may provide amongst other things \u2014\u00a0\u201cfor prescribing the mode of burial or cremation of any person dying of disease;\u201d vide Section 3 (1) (i). <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Reportedly, the first action in the plan was to amend the regulation under the Section 3 (1) (i) of the Ordinance.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>The Ordinance clearly stated that the mode of disposal can be prescribed as burial or cremation. It is important to bear in mind that if the WHO guidelines for burial had been followed, there would have been no need to amend the law. This whole drama would not have then evolved.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>What happened, however, was the hush, hush and hurried amendment to the law.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>An amendment which was diametrically opposed to the WHO recommendation which permitted burial.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>An amendment to the law which was unnecessary and making it mandatory to cremate Covid-19 infected dead bodies.<\/p>\n<p>The reason adduced for this mandatory cremation was the \u2018possibility\u2019 of ground water contamination via the Covid-19 virus, if burial is allowed.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>It sounded a fair and reasonable judgment at that time. The public was ignorant and they prima facie believed the advice of our local experts to be correct and done with integrity.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Though the benefit of expert knowledge in relation to the relevant areas of a pandemic namely, epidemiology, immunology, virology and hydrogeology were not in hand at the time.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><b>Prick Of Conscience<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Who is to be blamed for this unprofessional, unsubstantiated and disastrous decision? Can only a single person or authority be held responsible? Are several people responsible? Has there been a lapse in executive action from the side of the government? Those engaged, directly or indirectly, in making a mountain of this molehill are in a better position to apportion the blame. Their conscience will keep pricking them for the injustice perpetrated against an entire community of innocent people who have been forced to cremate their dead.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>From a Public\/Administrative law point of view, can this be considered a gross abuse of authority. Can there be a judicial review challenging the administrative act of amending the regulations, as ultra vires, on several grounds for example, that they have failed to take into account relevant considerations, etc.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Delictually, can this be a case for damages for misfeasance in public office against those responsible? Or, even for malfeasance, for that matter. It was held, &#8220;\u2019Misfeasance in public office&#8217; was concerned with a deliberate and dishonest wrongful abuse of the power given to a public officer and the purpose of the tort was to provide compensation for those who suffered loss as a result of improper abuse of power.\u201d (Three Rivers District Council v. Bank of England reported in (1996) 3 All ER 558).<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>In Administrative Law by Sir William Wade, 8th Edn. (page 765) &#8220;misfeasance in public office&#8221; has been defined inclusively as malicious abuse of power, deliberate mal-administration and other unlawful acts causing injury.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The State Minister of health is reported in the media stating that the Covid 19 is a new disease and that initial recommendations made by the WHO are subject to change with new emerging evidence. Excellent!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Since last year, the initial recommendation of WHO was that burial was not harmful, why was the law changed without following guidelines which said burial is safe?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>After the lapse of one year, still that same recommendation is in effect and why has it not been followed in Sri Lanka?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Where is the logic in what the State Minister is saying?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Or, is it that WHO recommendation is followed only when it is convenient?<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><b>Bogus One Country One Law<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>There is then this often-bandied statement by the venerable monks that the decision to bury or cremate must be taken based on scientific evidence and not as per any religion.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>No Muslim ever asked the government or the health authorities to ignore scientific evidence and give preference to religion. If tomorrow the WHO states that burial is harmful and cremation is the only way to dispose COVID 19 dead bodies, the Muslims will have no objection.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>They would accept such guidelines for the greater welfare of the living persons.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>The problem is when burial is safe and recommended, why has it been denied.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Then there is something wrong, somewhere.<\/p>\n<p>The irritation of the politicians and venerable monks, pseudo actors of nationalism, making a noise about one country one law is unbearable.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>What a nonsensical and utterly ignorant claim is this?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Look at the major laws of this country.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>The Constitution of this country which is the supreme law governs everyone.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Did the Muslims ask for a separate constitution? The Penal Code of this country which is the body of substantive criminal law is applied to everyone.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Did the Muslims ask to be governed by the Sharia criminal law?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>The corpus of Civil Procedure Code and the Criminal Procedure Code are the procedural laws of this country which everyone follows. Did the Muslims ask for the application of Islamic procedural laws?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Each move that is taken or the words that are spoken exposes their ulterior motives.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>By doing so, they clearly demonstrate their bias, prejudice and hate towards the Muslim community.<\/p>\n<p>What is the primary objective in the minds of these people?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Is it to destroy the Muslims or the development and future prosperity of this nation?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>If the former is the intent, then the latter will never be achieved.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>No country has developed when its citizens are disunited and are at the throats of each other.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>What will be sure is continued bloodshed, racial riots, death and destruction.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Every time this happens, the economy takes a hit. With the economic situation so fragile and vulnerable, this nation cannot afford internal instability. Is this the path that the venerable monks and politicians want to tread? <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\"><b>President, Act Now<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The majority of the people in this country must make their voice heard against moving on this path.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>This is not a Muslim issue; this is a national issue which has got internationalised. Our country is going back in time and our progeny will curse us for what they would inherit.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>It is nauseating to see some professionals behaving like ignorants and some monks and politicians speaking like experts.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Mr. President, the WHO guidelines permitting burial as safe is already available.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>The College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Medical Association have clearly given their recommendations.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>The recommendations of several other internationally acknowledged Sri Lankan experts in the field have stated that burial is safe. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This waiting game must stop before more bodies get burnt.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>There is no need to wait for any so called \u2018expert\u2019 committee decision or report.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>The evidence is clear and you have the authority.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>It is time that you just take a firm decision, in your capacity of the Executive President of this country, permitting burial. Here is an opportunity for you to display Statesmanship.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Already, one year has passed under your watch, it is time that you focus on moving forward with more important priorities of the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":91,"featured_media":215704,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,46,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-215703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-colombotelegraph","category-constitutional-reforms","category-editorial"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>When Monks &amp; Politicians Behave Like Virologists &amp; Hydrogeologists - Colombo Telegraph<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/index.php\/when-monks-politicians-behave-like-virologists-hydrogeologists\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"When Monks &amp; Politicians Behave Like Virologists &amp; Hydrogeologists - Colombo Telegraph\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"[&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/index.php\/when-monks-politicians-behave-like-virologists-hydrogeologists\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Colombo Telegraph\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-01-06T10:45:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-01-13T04:05:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Sri-Lankan-Buddhist-monks-protest-against-muslim-burials.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"512\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"341\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mass L. 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