The Sri Lankan government has requested the Maldives to assist in the burial of Muslims who die of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka in the Maldives.
19 Muslims in Sri Lanka passed away due to COVID-19 during the last week. While the country cremates all who die from COVID-19, this is against the funeral rites of Muslims. According to Islamic burial rites, all Muslims are to be buried upon death.
The minority muslim population of Sri Lanka has been expressing concern over the decision. As a result, the government of Sri Lanka has requested the Maldives government for assistance with the burial of Muslim COVID-19 victims.
The Maldives government Monday said the request is being considered, and that discussions are ongoing between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih relevant stakeholders to assist Sri Lanka in facilitating islamic funeral rites in the Maldives for Sri Lankan muslims. The country’s Foreign Minister, Abdulla Shahid said that the President’s decision is based on the close long standing bilateral ties between both countries
"President Solih’s decision is based on the close, long standing bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and to ensure help to face the challenges of the pandemic. This assistance will also offer solace to our Sri Lankan Muslim brothers and sisters grieving over burial of loved ones,” wrote Shahid in a tweet.
Around 10 percent of Sri Lanka's 21 million people population are Muslims.
