The decision to permit the burial of COVID19 victim still hangs in the balance with State Minister Sudharshini Fernandopulle claiming that an Experts Committee would make the final decision on the matter.

Fernandopulle made this remark in response to a question posed by SJB MP Mujiber Rahuwan who asked the State Minister as to when the Prime Minister's assurance of permitting the burial of COVID19 victims would come into effect.

Fernandopulle's statement, however, angered many Muslim politicians in Parliament including SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem.

"The Prime Minister is the highest authority in the government to make a decision on this matter. He has already given his word to the House. Who are the members of this so-called experts committee who can undermine the Prime Minister's assurance. Please don't insult the Prime Minister by resorting to this kind of tactics," he added.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa stated in Parliament yesterday that the burial of the bodies of COVID19 victims would be permitted.

The statement drew praise from many international figures including Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who is scheduled to visit the island on February 22.