Sri Lanka. A week after the Easter attacks, the president bans the niqab

This ban on wearing Islamic veils covering the face is taken by the Head of State in the name of “national security”. The measure comes into force on Monday.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena announced on Sunday April 28 the ban on Islamic veils covering the face in the name of “national security” , a week after the bloody Easter attacks committed by Islamist militants.

“This ban is aimed at ensuring national security. No one should hide their face in order to complicate their identification, ” the presidency said in a statement. This measure, taken by the Head of State who has recourse to emergency powers, will come into force from Monday, the text continues.

Fear of hostile reactions

It comes the day after a call from local Muslim clerics to Muslim women, urging them not to cover their faces for fear of hostile reactions after the attacks claimed by the jihadist group Islamic State, which left 253 dead.

Muslims, in this country of 21 million mainly Buddhist inhabitants, represent about 10% of the population. Most Sri Lankan Muslims are quite liberal and only a small number of women wear the niqab.

Aishwarya Yogeshwar

Aishwarya Yogeshwar is the visionary founder of CGI Jaffna, a pioneering organization dedicated to fostering innovation and community growth in the Jaffna region. With a deep passion for news publishing, Aishwarya combines her entrepreneurial spirit with a keen interest in delivering impactful and engaging stories. Her commitment to creating a platform for reliable news and meaningful discourse reflects her dedication to empowering communities through knowledge and information. Aishwarya’s leadership and innovative approach make her a driving force in the world of media and communication.

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