The Public Health Inspectors (PHI) Union has alleged that a person playing politics over the body of a deceased politician has obstructed the duties of the Health Services Director General.

The union said the person had telephoned Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe and interfered with his work. The union asked who gave him powers to interfere with the senior health official, who is the competent authority on health-related matters according to the provisions of the Quarantine Act.

The union, issuing a statement, vowed to take legal action against anyone who has flouted quarantine regulations if Sri Lanka experiences a "new cluster" due to the funeral of former Minister Arumugam Thondaman.

Scenes from Kotagala where people lined the streets to pay last respects to late MP Arumugam Thondaman demonstrated that quarantine rules were violated in broad daylight over the weekend, despite the curfew imposed by the government.

Witnesses said the Police and the armed forces were unable to manage the large crowds who gathered to pay last respect to the former Minister.

No social distancing was practiced during the funeral although it was attended by many notable figures.