Burqa and niqab ban, “merely a proposal”, says Foreign Ministry

The proposed ban on the burqa and niqab was “merely a proposal” and no decision has been taken so far, the Foreign Ministry said today. 

The statement from the Foreign Ministry said:

“Recent media reports have highlighted statements made in regard to a proposal to ban the wearing of the burqa and niqab in Sri Lanka.

“Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage has said that a decision has not been taken by the Government to impose such a ban and it is merely a proposal, which is under discussion. This proposal has been based on the precautionary measures that are needed on national security grounds, following the investigations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on Easter Sunday attacks.

“The Government will initiate a broader dialogue with all parties concerned and sufficient time will be taken for necessary consultations to be held and for consensus to be reached.”.

Earlier in the day co-cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said that the proposal needed to be further discussed before a firm decision is taken.

However,  Public security minister Sarath Weerasekara last Saturday insisted that the proposal will be taken up for discussion at the Cabinet on Monday. But, the cabinet paper was not taken up.

Muslim groups say that the decision to discuss the matter may have been delayed after the Pakistani High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Saad Khattak raised concerns about the proposed ban.  In a twitter message on Monday he said the likely ban will only serve as injury to the feelings of the ordinary Sri Lankan Muslims and Muslims across the globe.