Tactics story
Campaign for the right to burial, Sri Lanka

Tactic: Advocacy

From April 2020, the Sri Lankan government required the cremation of all COVID victims despite the World Health Organisation saying burial poses no risk. Islam prohibits cremation. By March 2021 two thirds of COVID victims were from minorities. Many victims avoided seeking treatment, fearing diagnosis and cremation.

In response to the regulations, political parties, lawyers, Islamic organisations and civil society activists of all faiths petitioned against the bill. Regular demonstrations were held and eleven families took a case to the Supreme Court. The forced cremation of a baby led to broader public engagement, with people of all faiths tying white bands to the gates of the crematorium concerned.

Source: BBC news, Alarabiya.net