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Minister of Health tells Parliament today that expert committee recommendation is to cremate all COVID-19 deceased.
Hon. Minister, please show us the report, or table such report in Parliament for public review, as I believe we have the right to see it!
#StopForcedCremations
Hon. Minister, please show us the report, or table such report in Parliament for public review, as I believe we have the right to see it!
#StopForcedCremations
Hon. Gajendra Ponnambalam who raised the question to the Health Minister, requested the Health Minister to clarify on why the report which was released to the public by the expert panel appointed by the Health Ministry on 24.12.20 states the opposite to what the Minister claims.
Health Minister names members of the technical committee, which does not comprise of any members in the letter of appointment sent by the Secreatary, Minister of Health on 24.12.20. She states that the main technical committee has not changed its stance on accommodating burials.
Hon. GP asks about committee appointed by MOH on 24.12. Minister denies existence of such committee & an “informal” group of virologists met with State Min Fernandopulle & stated concerns which were sent to technical committee for consideration but no response has been received.
Hon. GP requests Leader of the House @DCRGunawardena to provide a date for when the technical committee shall provide its decision to Parliament. @DCRGunawardena states that this is not a courthouse, and Health Min shall revert when a decision is made.
Hon. GP states that his question is a matter of urgent public importance and was raised as per 27(2) of Standing Orders of Parliament and he has not received a response. Speaker and @DCRGunawardena do not comply.
Hon. GP rises again, and Speaker strong-arms in hindering the legitimacy of Hon. GP’s question against Parliamentary convention. @DCRGunawardena responds that Parliament will reconvene on 19th Jan, and MAYBE a decision could be reached by then but there is no guarantee.
For reference, this is the letter of appointment sent by Secretary, Ministry/Health on 24.12.20 to 11 reputed microbiologists, virologists & immunologists to recommend disposal methodology of COVID-19 deceased according to clearly specified, scientific-based Terms of Reference.
The expert panel formally submitted its report with specified recommendations which included BOTH burial & cremation to Secretary, Ministry of Health on 30.12.20 (copy seen below). Therefore, such statement in Parliament by Health Minister is erroneous, misleading and untrue!
On 04.01.21, @Dailymirror_SL reported that the two committees (technical committee named by Minister today and expert panel appointed on 24.12.20) had clashed on opinions regarding burial of COVID-19 deceased. This reaffirms valid of expert panel. http://www.dailymirror.lk/front_page/Two-expert-committees-clash-over-burial-of-COVID-19-victims/238-203062
Chairman of the technical committee, Dr. Channa Perera, a Judicial Medical Officer by profession and not an expert on the pandemic has reportedly told the @BBCNews that his only fear in permitting burials is that Muslims may use bodies as “biological weapons”.
Another member of technical committee, Methika Vithanage, a geologist & no experience on pandemic has erroneously cited Danish mink burial case as reason for opposition to burials. Her claims were debunked by world-renowned virologist Prof. Malik Peiris. https://fb.watch/2SBRep1uYc/
It is now clearly evident that the Health Minister has misled Parliament by saying no committee was formed.
This Government’s decisions are not based on science, but on politics and racism and their overt prejudice and bigotry is now on full display!
#StopForcedCremations
This Government’s decisions are not based on science, but on politics and racism and their overt prejudice and bigotry is now on full display!
#StopForcedCremations
