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Tensions rise over Maldives burial issue, Sri Lankans stand ground

Mariyam Malsa
16 December 2020, MVT 14:47
Maldives National Defence Force staff carrying the coffin of the second COVID-19 fatality in Maldives. PHOTO: MNDF
Mariyam Malsa
16 December 2020, MVT 14:47

Amid heightened tensions, a total of 18 Sri Lankan Islamic organisations called on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to reject the Sri Lankan government's request to arrange burials for Muslims that succumb to COVID-19.

The organisations, based in the United Kingdom, formally expressed their request in a letter addressed to Maldivian High Commissioner to UK Dr Farahanaz Faizal.

On Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that discussions were initiated after Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa sent a letter to President Solih, requesting assistance in performing the Islamic burial rites for Muslims that die of COVID-19 in Lanka.

Despite expressing gratitude to the Maldivian government for its readiness to offer assistance on a humanitarian basis, the collective of Sri Lankan Islamic organisations stated that the arrangement of burials in Maldives would not be in the best interest of the Sri Lankan Muslim population and would not encourage the protection of rights granted to them under Sri Lanka's constitution.

According to the letter, the Sri Lankan government's refusal to allow funerals as per Islamic guidelines was part of a political and social agenda against the Muslim populace.

The collective went on to state that certain factions in Sri Lanka viewed Muslims as outsiders despite being among the country's original settlers with a history of over 2,000 years.

Furthermore, the organisations noted that Lanka's Muslim population was working peacefully to address the issue of forced cremations and the prohibition of burials.

Public opinion in Maldives remains divided with those in favour of permitting burials viewing it as a show of solidarity with the neighbouring country's minority Muslim population.

In this regard, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and certain religious scholars aligned with Adhaalath Party, such as Sheikh Zaid, Sheikh Ilyas and Dr Iyaz have expressed support for facilitating funerals for Sri Lankan muslims.

Economic Minister's tweet regarding the Sri Lankan Muslims burial issue

UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief responded in disagreement with Fayyaz’s statement, noting that the move could further marginalise the Muslim population of Sri Lanka.

Those who oppose the move highlight that it could be construed as support for discriminatory policies being implemented against Sri Lankan Muslims. Notably, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom expressed opposition towards the idea, despite clarifying that all foreign visitors were welcome in Maldives.

A Sri Lankan muslim expresses his views on burying the nations Muslim COVID-19 fatalities in Maldives.

While both locals and Sri Lankan Muslims have voiced concerns on enabling the funerals of Sri Lankans in Maldives, some noted that the Maldivian government could take a hardline over the matter and encourage the Lankan government to allow its Muslim population to bury its deceased as per religious obligations.

Local expresses opinion regarding the pe

Additionally, others have pointed out that Sri Lanka had the resources to change burial policies, including higher land availability compared to Maldives, and that expert scientific opinion such as those supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO) permitted burials along with safety precautions.

The Sri Lankan government is facing severe backlash for cremating Muslims that succumb to COVID-19, against the wishes of their families. In March, Lanka announced that it would cremate the bodies of all people who die of COVID-19, in order to prevent the contamination of ground water.

The 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has also expressed concern over the cremation order and called for Sri Lankan Muslims to be allowed to bury family members in line with their religious beliefs.

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