No decision yet on banning Burqa, Niqab, says minister

COLOMBO: Co-Cabinet Spokesman, Mass Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the government will make a decision on banning the Burqa and the Niqab carefully and wisely so as not to exert undue influence on any party.

He was responding to a question by a journalist at the Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department, Daily News reported.

The minister said the Muslim community in Sri Lanka has inherited a unique culture and the restrictions on the Burqa should be done in a manner that does not adversely affect their culture.

“However, if there is a threat to national security through clothing such as the Burqa, it is imperative that action be taken in this regard. But it should not be hasty,” he said.

When asked if the government had taken any action on the issue of diplomatic tensions with pro-Sri Lankan Muslim countries due to the proposed ban on the Burqa, the minister said it was an internal matter and would not affect diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and allied Muslim countries including Pakistan, whose Premier Imran Khan visited Sri Lanka recently. It will not cause any diplomatic problems, he said.

The Foreign Ministry issuing a press statement said the government would initiate a broader dialogue with all parties concerned on the proposal to ban the wearing of the Burqa and the Niqab in Sri Lanka, and sufficient time would be taken to arrive at a consensus.

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 a decision has not been taken by the government to impose such a ban and it is merely a proposal, which was under wide discussion.