Muslim women have been banned from wearing face veils under an emergency law passed by Sri Lanka’s president, days after more than 250 people were killed in series of bombings in Colombo.
A statement from the President’s Media Division on Sunday said covering of the face with veils, in a manner that prevents identification of a person, will be banned from Monday under emergency regulations, the Hindu reports.
President Maithruipala Sisirsena said he was using an emergency law to impose the restriction from Monday, according to BBC.
Any face garment which “hinders identification” will be banned to ensure national security, his office said.
The niqab and burka – worn by Muslim women – were not specifically named.
The move is perceived as targeting the garments, however, said the BBC.
Sri Lanka remains on high alert eight days after Islamist attacks that hit churches and hotels. Dozens of suspects have been arrested, but local officials warned that more militants remained at large.
