September 04, Colombo (LNW): The Burial and Cremation Rights Draft Bill is set to be published in the Government Gazette and submitted to Parliament for approval, according to Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana.
Speaking to the media yesterday at the Government Information Department, Minister Gunawardhana announced that the Attorney General has granted clearance for the Draft Bill, which was formulated by the Legal Draftsman. The legislation aims to provide individuals with the right to choose whether their bodies should be buried or cremated upon death. If no such preference has been declared, the decision will be entrusted to the deceased individual’s closest relative, considering their preferences, as well as their religious, cultural, or personal beliefs.
This move follows a proposal by the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms to proceed with the publication of the Draft Bill in the Government Gazette and its subsequent submission to Parliament for consideration and approval.