Sri Lanka Announces Burqa Ban as Easter Jihad Anniversary Approaches
The government of Sri Lanka announced this weekend it would implement a nationwide ban on
burqas, Islamic coverings for women that shield the entire face, arguing the garment presents “national security” risks.
As the federal government does not have the unilateral power to implement such a ban, ministers will reportedly be working alongside lawmakers to draft it into law. Reports indicated the government in Colombo will accompany this move with the shutdown of hundreds of
madrassas, or Islamic schools, operating without government license or supervision in an attempt to diminish the influence of radical jihadist ideology.