31.03.2026
1447.10.11
On this solemn occasion of the 6th commemoration of the victims of forced cremations in Sri Lanka, we, 21 Muslim civil society organizations, remember with deep sorrow the grave injustice inflicted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when individuals were denied their fundamental right to a dignified burial.
Today, we stand united—not only in remembrance of those who were deprived of their final rites, but also in reaffirming our collective commitment to justice, dignity, and the protection of fundamental freedoms for all citizens of Sri Lanka. We acknowledge the suffering endured by families across communities and emphasize the importance of ensuring that such injustices are never repeated.
This commemoration is not merely about the past; it is a call to conscience for the present and the future. It is a reminder of the need for compassion, inclusivity, and respect for diversity in times of crisis and beyond.
The “Declaration on the Commemoration of the Victims of Forced Cremations in Sri Lanka” continues to call upon the Government to investigate and deliver justice for those who were deprived of their religious rights and human dignity. This policy, enforced despite international guidelines permitting burial, caused profound distress, particularly among the Muslim community, for whom cremation is strictly prohibited in Islam.
The continuation of this policy, despite clear guidance from global health authorities and repeated appeals from medical experts and civil society, deepened the suffering of affected families. It not only violated religious freedoms but also eroded trust and exacerbated social divisions during a time of national crisis.
While the policy was eventually reversed in February 2021, and a formal apology was issued in July 2024, the pain endured by families, many of whom were unable to perform final rites or visit the graves of their loved ones-remains deeply felt. Justice and meaningful reparations are essential to healing from this traumatic chapter in our history.
We respectfully reiterate our call to the Government of Sri Lanka to:
❖ Conduct an independent and credible investigation into the enforcement of forced cremations and ensure accountability.
❖ Take necessary measures to guarantee the non-recurrence of such violations.
❖ Declare March 31 as a National Day of Remembrance in honor of the victims.
❖ Establish a national memorial bearing the names of the victims, accessible to all communities, as a symbol of remembrance and reconciliation.
We stand united across communities in reaffirming our commitment to justice, dignity, and the protection of fundamental rights for all Sri Lankans.
We also express our sincere gratitude to all individuals, organizations, and members of the international community who stood in solidarity with the affected families and advocated for justice.
As we mark this commemoration, we also look ahead with a sense of purpose and unity. We hereby announce that the next annual commemoration, on March 31, 2027, will be held at the Oddamavadi special burial site designated for COVID-19 victims. We further propose that this site be developed into a national memorial to honor all victims of forced cremation, serving as a place of reflection, remembrance, and collective healing for all communities.
May this remembrance strengthen our collective resolve to uphold justice, restore dignity, and build a more compassionate and inclusive Sri Lanka for all.
Organizations agreed to be party to the declaration:
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama | National Shoora Council | Muslim Council of Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka Muslim Media forum | ACUMLYF | Salama Society | National Movement Against Forcible Cremation | COSLAM | Imam Shafi Center for Education and Development | Sri Lanka Jamathe Islami | Lawyers for Social Justice | YMMA | Islamic Centre | Centre for Islamic Studies | Association for Muslim Youth Seylan – Shabab | RPSL Consortium | Supreme Council of Sufi Thareeqas | Sri Lanka Muslim Civil Society Foundation | Council for Community Initiatives | MyBiZ
