Only Oddamavadi assigned for burial of any COVID victims – Dr Hamdani

Seven more bodies of individuals who had fallen victim to COVID-19 were buried at Oddamavadi in Batticaloa today (March 09), says Army Commander General Shavendra Silva.

The burials have been carried out by the Sri Lanka Army.

Accordingly, a total of 38 corpses infected with novel coronavirus have been buried since the policy on mandatory cremation was reversed last month.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anver Hamdani, the Director of Medical Technical Services of Health Ministry said only Oddamavadi area has so far been assigned to carry out burials of any COVID victims.

His remarks came during Ada Derana ‘BIG FOCUS’ program held this afternoon.

“Usually, bodies of Muslims are not buried in a coffin. But this is an exceptional situation. We allow 05 relatives of the deceased to engage in religious observances and to view the corpse. Then the corpse is placed in the cadaver pouch and then inside the coffin which is tightly sealed. The two vehicles specially assigned for the purpose depart from Colombo at 5.30 am daily. Two of the relatives are allowed to be present to witness the burial,” he said further, explaining the procedure.

On March 05, Sri Lanka began burials of COVID victims at Oddamavadi in Eastern Province.

The guidelines for the burial of COVID-19 victims were issued by the Director-General of Health Services on Wednesday (March 03).

Drafting of guidelines was completed after the committee of experts appointed to examine methods for disposal of COVID victims met on February 27. 

In February, Sri Lanka reversed a controversial order which mandated the cremation of bodies of all those who fall victim to COVID-19. 

The Extraordinary Gazette notification allowing the burial of COVID victims was published on February 25, amending the regulations made by the Minister of Health under Sections 2 and 3 of the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance (Chapter 222).