Face covering 'niqab' banned in Sri Lanka after Easter bloodshed

World

Published: 2019-04-29 10:43

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 10:30


Archived
Archived

Sri Lanka has banned face coverings "niqab" in public, following the series of suicide attacks on Easter Sunday that killed at least 310 people and injured hundreds.

Sri Lankan President Maithruipala Sisirsena said he was using an emergency law to impose the restriction as of Monday, according to the BBC.

"Any face garment which "hinders identification" will be banned to ensure national security," according to a statement issued by President Sisirsena's office.

The announcement came after local clerics urged Muslim women not to cover their faces amid fears of reactions after Easter Sunday bombings carried by a group linked to ISIS.

 Sri Lanka has almost 21 million citizens, most of which are Buddhists; however, only 10% of Sri Lanka population are Muslims and a very small proportion of Muslim women wear "niqab."

Also read: Sri Lanka bombings death toll rises to 310

Photos: Police reveal 'mastermind' of Sri Lanka's attacks

15 killed as police raid suspected bomber hideout in Sri Lanka