The government is in discussions to facilitate Islamic funeral rites for Sri Lankan Muslims dying from Covid-19.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed this in a statement issued on Monday, which noted that this is being considered following a special request from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Highlighting that the request was forwarded to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih due to the challenges faced by Sri Lankan authorities in making funeral arrangements, the ministry said that the government is in discussions with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the possibility of making the arrangements in the island nation.

It added that the president’s decision to consider the request is based on the "close longstanding bilateral ties" between Maldives and Sri Lanka, as well as to ensure help to face the challenges faced by the neigbouring nation due to the ongoing pandemic.

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said that the assistance “will also offer solace to [the] Sri Lankan Muslim brothers and sisters grieving over burial of loved ones”.

Muslims account for 10 percent of Sri Lanka’s 21 million population.

While Sri Lankan authorities back in April issued orders to cremate all victims of Covid-19 including Muslims, there has been outrage after at least 15 Muslim coronavirus victims, including a 20-day old infant, were cremated against family wishes and in contravention of Islamic tradition.

A number of religious scholars have expressed support for the government’s decision, however, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom did not.

Noting that Maldives welcomes all foreign visitors irrespective of their nationality and faith, the man who ruled the nation for 30 years until 2008 said that “bringing bodies of foreign Covid-19 victims to be buried in Maldives” is not something he can support.