Sri Lanaka on Saturday has announced that it would put a ban on wearing the Burqa and shut-down more than 1000 Islamic schools known as Madrasas. The Burqa ia an outer garment worn by Muslims’ that cover the face and body.
The Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara said in a press conference, he had signed a cabinet order to outlaw the wearing of the burqa and the bill needs to be approved by the parliament. The minister also said that wearing such garment directly effects the national security of Sri Lanka.
This moves comes nearly two years after a series of coordinated attacks on Hotels and Churches on Easter Sunday in April 2019. The suicide bombers targeted Catholic churches and touristic hotels, killing over 250 people and injuring more than 500.
Mr. Weerasekara also said the government will ban Madrassas citing they are not registered with the authorities and do not follow the national education policy.
This ban is the latest move affecting the Muslim minority, where Muslims make up about 9% of the 22 million people in Sri Lanka and Buddhists make up more than 70% of the population.
The Burqa is banned in some European countries such as Austria, Denmark, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
