Ali Sabry responds to forced cremation allegations 

 Foreign Minister 

Ali Sabry

• Outlines several attempts he made as a Govt. Minister to prevent forced cremations 
• Accuses media of providing a platform to those who were offended by his comments against forced cremations 
• Says he chose to remain in Govt. and fight instead of stepping down 
• Acknowledges that forced cremations were a mistake and such actions should not happen again in SL

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry yesterday addressed the numerous accusations directed at him concerning the former Government’s decision to mandate the cremation of Muslim COVID-19 victims and his perceived failure to intervene in preventing the move despite being a member of the then Government.

Addressing the Parliament, the Minister detailed various measures he undertook during that period to prevent forced cremations. The Minister stated that, while the opposition is free to criticise, the approach to working within a Cabinet on various matters differs.

“I have addressed this issue publicly, even in the media. A prominent Bhikku went so far as to accuse me of being a terrorist simply because I spoke out about it. I had to go to court as a consequence. The media provided a platform for comments against me because I opposed forced cremations,” he recalled.

The Minister said while remaining in Cabinet, he raised the issue at least five times during Cabinet meetings. “Thirdly, I formed a team of eight experts consisting of Prof. Sheriffdeen, Prof. Rezvi Sheriff, Prof. Vajira Dissanayake and Prof. Kemal Deen made representations thrice to the committee headed by Dr. Channa Perera. What else does one expect me to do?” he asked. 

The Minister explained that resigning from the Government would have been the easiest course of action, but he chose not to, citing his acceptance of a responsibility he felt obligated to fulfil.

Sabry also disclosed that during the visit of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Sri Lanka, he even personally requested Khan to address the issue with the Sri Lankan Government.

“I did what was in my power. My religion has taught me three things. You can try to prevent illegality or injustice. If you can’t do it then raise your voice. If you can’t do that then raise it within yourself and tell yourself you’re against it. My religion in the Quran says Allah will not burden you beyond what you cannot bear,” he added. 

“I had two choices, either to give up and run away or to stay back and fight. I am glad that I stood back, fought, and made some sense, which helped us give a decent burial to 3,500 people in Oddamavadi,” he said.

The Foreign Minister acknowledged that the forced cremations were a mistake, emphasising that such actions should not happen again in the country.