Protests in Kilinochchi against burial of COVID victims in Iranaitivu

COLOMBO (News 1st): Residents of the Iranaitivu Island are staging a protest in Ireinemaida town in Kilinochchi against the decision taken to bury COVID-19 victims in the island, News 1st correspondent in the area reported on Wednesday morning (Mar. 03). According to News 1st reporter, civil societies, fisheries associations, and Catholic priests in the area have joined the protest. The protesters charge that the burial of COVID-19 victims at the Iranaitivu Island, while people are being resettled, creates problems. Addressing the cabinet media briefing, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on Tuesday (Mar. 02) announced that the Iranaitivu island was identified as a site to bury those who die of COVID-19. The gazette notification permitting the burial of COVID-19 victims was issued recently.