Srilanka, March 31 -- A commemoration event has been organised with a multiethnic congregation for April 6 at 10.00 am at Marine Grand Hall, Colombo 6, with prayers and to show support for the families of the 278 forcibly cremated during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As- Shiekh M.H.M. Burhan Bahji, Chairman of the commemoration committee in a statement said, "The first forced cremation of a Muslim Covid-19 victim took place in Negombo on March 31, 2020."

Excerpts from the message: "Over the months that followed, 278 victims, including a 29-day-old infant, were cremated against the wishes of the families. The fear of cremation even forced many Muslims to refrain from seeking medical support when they were afflicted by Covid-19.

"There has bee...