Sri Lankan Minister of Water Supply & Estate Infrastructure Jeevan Thondaman said that the decision to forcefully cremate COVID-19 victims was not grounded in scientific evidence.

Jeevan Thondaman, in a statement on X, expressed his heartfelt apology to the Muslim community. The apology addresses the harm caused by the government's mandatory cremation policy for those who succumbed to COVID-19.

Minister Thondaman said he initiated an independent study to investigate allegations of groundwater contamination risk associated with burials of COVID-19 victims.

He added that the study's findings have now debunked concerns about water contamination, revealing that the decision to forcefully cremate was not grounded in scientific evidence.

Minister Thondaman also took responsibility for the mistakes and failures perpetuated by his predecessors.

He announced plans to submit a Cabinet Paper, jointly with Minister Ali Sabry, formally apologizing for the harm caused by the policy.

Minister Thondaman hopes this moment of acknowledgment will foster deeper understanding, respect, and unity among all communities in Sri Lanka.

He emphasized that the nation's strength lies in its diversity and collective ability to learn, adapt, and support one another during challenging times.