Prime Minister Imran Khan has on Wednesday welcomes Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa’s assurance allowing to bury those who died from COVID-19.

The Prime Minister took to his Twitter handle and wrote, “We welcome Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa’s assurance given in Sri Lankan Parliament today allowing Muslims to bury those who died from COVID19.”

The tweet came after Sri Lanka gave permission for Muslims who die of COVID-19 to be buried following an outcry over the government’s decision to cremate all those who died of coronavirus.

We welcome Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa's assurance given in Sri Lankan Parliament today allowing Muslims to bury those who died from COVID19.

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— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 10, 2021

According to sources, the premier will the Sri Lankan Parliament later this month.

Imran Khan will address the Sri Lankan Parliament with Sri Lankan Muslim leaders. He is expected to arrive Sri Lanka on February 23, sources said.

Sources further added that he will hold talks with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka made compulsory the cremation of all people who die from COVID-19, saying the virus in human remains could contaminate underground water.

Muslims and non-Muslims have protested against the rule over the past year, calling it unscientific and insensitive of Muslim religious beliefs.

The United Nations also raised concerns with the government. The World Health Organization and Sri Lankan doctors’ groups have said COVID-19 victims can either be buried or cremated.

Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country where it is customary for Buddhists and Hindus, the second-largest religious group, to cremate the dead.