October 25, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, has urged that Muslim burial rites be conducted without unnecessary delay, stressing the importance of upholding pre-pandemic practices.
Representatives from various civil society groups observed that in certain regions, procedures introduced during the COVID-19 period—particularly the extended certification process—were still being applied, resulting in significant postponements of burials.
Responding to these concerns, Minister Herath clarified that a circular reinstating the standard pre-COVID procedures has already been issued, and relevant officials have been instructed to ensure its full implementation. He further advised that in any locality where outdated regulations remain in use, the circular should be presented to the authorities so that corrective measures can be promptly enforced.
The meeting, attended by around 30 representatives from 15 organisations including the All Ceylon Jamiatul Ulama, provided a platform for Muslim community leaders to raise wider social concerns.
During the same discussion, Minister Herath also reaffirmed that there are no legal restrictions preventing Muslim nurses in public hospitals from wearing attire consistent with their faith. The reassurance followed appeals from Muslim civil society groups, who noted that limitations on wearing garments covering the head and legs have deterred many Muslim women from entering or remaining in the nursing profession.
The meeting, chaired by Minister Herath, included participation from Deputy Speaker Rizvi Sali, Minister Sunil Senevi, Deputy Ministers Munir Mulaffar and Arkam Ilyas, and MP Fasmin Sheriff. Minister Herath emphasised that existing uniform policies do not conflict with religious dress codes, underscoring that cultural and spiritual observances should never impede anyone’s opportunity to serve in the healthcare sector.
