Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
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The Government yesterday said it was willing to be flexible on timelines to implement the proposed face veil ban and that it would be done after consultations with the Muslim community and other stakeholders.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, speaking at the weekly Cabinet briefing, confirmed the proposed ban was discussed at the Cabinet meeting on Monday.
However, he noted that Cabinet members leaned towards the view that the proposal could not be rushed through and should ideally be implemented following discussions.
“The Cabinet acknowledged that this is a very sensitive issue and we should not rush to implement it. There should be consultations on this topic and only then should it be implemented.” Rambukwella denied the Government was concerned about reactions to the move ahead of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) vote on a fresh resolution on Sri Lanka. He also confirmed that the prosed ban included both the burqa and niqab.
“This has nothing to do with Geneva. It is purely an internal matter. This is a step that was taken for national security considerations and in accordance with our own intelligence. Similar bans have been carried out in other countries because of national security concerns,” he added.
The controversial move by the Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Sarath Weerasekara to ban the two types of face veils worn by some women of the Islamic faith drew criticism from many groups, including religious groups and some in the diplomatic community.
Weerasekera said that he had signed the Cabinet paper to ban the wearing of face veils including the burqa last week, adding that the proposed ban did not include the hijab worn by many women in the Muslim community.
