The Government yesterday denied reports that wearing of burqa and niqab are to be banned. 

Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage in a statement said that a decision has not been taken by the Government to impose such a ban and that it was merely a proposal, which is still being discussed. “This proposal has been based on the precautionary measures that are needed on national security grounds, following the investigations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on the Easter Sunday attacks,” he said. 

“The Government will initiate a broader dialogue with all parties concerned and sufficient time will be taken for necessary consultations to be held and for consensus to be reached,” the statement added.

Flexible timeline on proposed face veil ban: Govt.