By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

The heads of local government institutions are advised to take necessary steps to cremate bodies of those who died of Covid-19 without delay, a State Minister yesterday said.

State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Roshan Ranasinghe instructed his secretary to inform all heads of local government institutions about this.   

At present there are 239 crematoria under the purview of the local authorities in which 106 are situated in the Western Province. Due to poor communication with  health and crematorium control departments, corpses are not brought properly from hospitals were the prime reasons for the disruption in cremating bodies.   

Repairing the malfunctioning crematoria, providing generators during power outages, maintaining gas reserves, providing workers with protective clothing, equipment etc., are also considered as major issues.   
The State Minister further said he is hoping to discuss this matter with the Minister of Health.   

• At present there are 239 crematoria under the purview of the local authorities in which 106 are situated in the Western Province