Burial Of Covid-19 Victims Takes Another Turn

The decision regarding the burial of COVID-19 victims was subject to many twists and turns. After more than a year and so many discussions, the government finally allowed it, in the face of vehement criticism from rights groups.

Although the government’s decision to allow the burial of COVID-19 victims was welcomed by the Muslim community, the decision to bury the victims in Iranaitivu island has been heavily criticized by the residents of the island. As Iranaitivu had been chosen on the basis that it is “less populated”, Sri Lanka Navy started digging up graves. Iranaitivu lies in the Gulf of Mannar, is made up of two linked islands - Periyathivu and Sinnathivu. The island is situated between the southernmost tip of India and the north of Sri Lanka. It is principally inhabited by Catholic Tamils who have struggled to reoccupy their land for decades since 1992. The island is also well known as a paradise for aquamarine waters. During the war, the Iranaitivu area has also been heavily impacted. Resettlements were slowly taking place. The residents, who staged the protest said, the 417 families living in the island would be facing a new set of problems if the government starts burying the COVID-19 victims there.

OPPOSITION BY IRANAITIVU RESIDENTS