The government has issued an apology for the decision to forcefully cremate COVID-19 victims during the pandemic, following new research that shows the virus did not spread through surface water.
A cabinet paper released today disclosed that a study conducted by the Ministry of Water Supply with the University of Jayawardenapura in July 2021 investigated the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in aquatic environments in Colombo and Kandy. The study found no traces of the virus in surface water.
Additionally, a second study completed in March 2024 by the China-Sri Lanka joint research and demonstration center for water technology confirmed that the virus was transmitted through faeces and urine, not through safe burial practices.
In light of these findings, the cabinet of ministers has approved a joint proposal from the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development. The government has issued an apology to all communities affected by the compulsory cremation policy implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
