Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the opposition and SJB, has criticised the front-runners for their lack of response to the contentious matter of Muslim cremation during the COVID-19 epidemic.
“Today’s so-called leaders stayed quiet when the Muslim community was suffering due to the forced cremation policy, but we took to the streets in protest,” Premadasa stated last Sunday at a campaign rally in Kattankudy.
He emphasised how his conduct was in sharp contrast to those of leaders like as President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Premadasa stated, “These leaders now want the votes of the Muslim people, but they were scared to stand up for them back then.”
“Sajith raises up an issue of forced cremation of epidemic victims.”
He stated that the dispute surrounding the cremation, which took place during the government of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, received strong criticism from both domestic and international sources, including the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Rajapaksa government nevertheless compelled the cremation of Muslim COVID-19 victims in violation of their beliefs.
When the previous administration implemented the COVID-19 cremation policy, which was an injustice to the Muslim minority, both Ranil Wickremesinghe and Anura Kumara Dissanayake remained mute. They failed to defend the rights of the Muslim community.
He recalled the SJB’s firm position on the matter, pointing out that his party organised sizable demonstrations against this unjust policy in Parliament and on the streers.
When choosing the next leader of the country, Premadasa advised the residents of Kattankudy and the larger Muslim community to consider these incidents.
“We must select the right leader to protect Sri Lanka’s identity, regardless of your religion or culture,” he declared.
Premadasa stated, “The SJB was the only party that spoke up and fought for the Muslim community at that time,” adding that he and his party were out in the streets promoting justice while others remained mute.
