Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera said the government should provide an immediate solution to the "forced cremation" issue faced by Sri Lankan Muslims.

"This problem, if unaddressed, will lead to a situation such as the racial riots in 1983. The religious rights of Muslims should be respected and if not, another 1000 Zaharans could be born," the controversial Buddhist monk said.

He also said that this issue could be exploited by Muslim extremist groups and foreign forces.

Meanwhile, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya staged a protest near the Borella cemetery today demanding permission for burial of COVID19 victims. A number of civil society groups and activists joined the protest.

A senior spokesman of the government said a final decision in this regard would be made this week.