LSUS raises concerns over hijab checks at Law College entrance exam

• Says female Muslim candidates were forced to remove hijabs for security checks 
• Claims admission numbers and NICs of candidates were noted and some were verbally abused by staff 
• Stresses these actions have violated their Fundamental Rights and may have a lasting psychological impact
• Requests Principal to conduct an investigation into incident and prevent future occurrences of same 

By Maneshka Borham 

The Law Students Union of Sri Lanka (LSUS) has expressed its concerns about reports of discriminatory treatment towards female Muslim candidates during the recent Law College entrance examination conducted on 30 September at multiple examination centres throughout the country.

In a letter dated 10 October, addressed to the Sri Lanka Law College Principal Athula Pathinayake, the Union pointed out that female Muslim candidates were forced to remove their hijab (head covering) for security checks to allegedly detect any potential concealed devices that could potentially be used for examination fraud. 

Additionally, the union highlighted that invigilators had taken note of and photographed the admission numbers and National Identity Cards of these candidates due to suspicions of possible examination fraud. “Moreover these candidates were also subjected to verbal abuse by certain invigilators,” the union said. 

The union said these actions were a clear violation of the candidate’s Fundamental Rights relating to freedom of religion and the right to practise a chosen faith. 

The union also underscored the psychological impact of the experience on the candidates, expressing concern about potential long-lasting trauma. 

As a result, the LSUS called upon Pathinayake to launch an investigation into these incidents, with the aim of ensuring justice for the candidates whose rights were infringed upon due to their religious identity. The Union also urged the Principal to take measures to prevent the recurrence of such discriminatory practices during any future entrance examinations following the investigation.