COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s government is in “no rush” to implement a proposed ban on the wearing of burqas and the closure of over 1,000 Islamic schools, Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said on Tuesday, adding that it was a serious decision that required “consensus and consultations.”
“It will be implemented with a consensus and consultations with Muslim organizations and leaders. We won’t rush through the proposal, since it is a serious issue,” Rambukwella said.
His remarks came a day after Pakistan’s envoy to Colombo Saad Khattak criticized the island nation’s move to ban the burqa an outer garment worn by some Muslim women to cover the body and face saying it was a “divisive” step impacting Muslims in Sri Lanka and across the globe.
Sri Lanka backs off plan to ban burqa, close Islamic schools
Following the outrage, Sri Lanka on Tuesday went into damage control and issued a new statement
Wednesday March 17, 2021 10:36 AM, ummid.com with inputs from Agencies
Colombo: Sri Lanka on Tuesday decided to put on hold its controversial decision to ban burqa and close Islamic schools (Mada’ris) after receiving flak from local organisations and international outrage.
Burqa is the clothing worn by Muslim women in a sign of modesty and honour.
Sri Lankan Minister for Public Security
Sarath Weerasekera had created stir last week after he called burqa a “sign of religious extremism” and called for its immediate ban.
Sri Lankan government will not rush through process to ban burqas: Cabinet Spokesman
Muslims make up about 9% of the 22 million people in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists account for more than 70% of the population.
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A burqa clad Sri Lankan Muslim woman walks in a street of Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo | AP) By PTI
COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government will not rush through the process to ban burqas and the decision on the issue would be taken after reaching a consensus, a senior minister said on Tuesday.
The Cabinet spokesman s remarks came a day after Pakistan s envoy to Colombo Saad Khattak criticised the Sri Lankan government s plan to ban the wearing of burqas in the country, saying such divisive steps in the name of security will not only hurt the sentiments of Muslims but also strengthen wider apprehensions about the fundamental human rights of minorities in the island nation.