Gazette issued banning full face veil in Sri Lanka

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) -President Maithripala Sirisena has issued an Extraordinary Gazette notification banning the use of full face veil in the country and prohibiting the engagement in preaching religious or any extremist or radical ideologies which glorifies, encourages or promotes terrorism.

The Gazette No. 2121/1 issued under the signature of President Maithripala Sirisena has amended several clauses under the Emergency Regulations.

The proclamation states no person shall wear in any public place any garment, clothing or other material concealing the full face which will in any manner cause hindrance to the identification of a person.

It adds the ban will be in place at public place including all public roads, any building, any enclosed or open area, any vehicle or any other mode of transportation.

Yesterday, the Government enforced a ban on the full-face veil in the country.

The President’s Media Division said in a bid to ensure public safety, all clothing items that conceal or cover an individual’s face will be banned.

In a statement, the PMD said, under powers vested with President Maithripala Sirisena through emerging regulations, a decision was taken to ban all clothing that conceal the identity of an individual.

Several European and African countries have also imposed a ban on the use of Burka. It means women wearing a burka or Niqab could be imprisoned or face fines.

The emergency law in the country was approved on Wednesday providing additional powers to the Executive and law enforcement officials to combat terrorism and maintain law and order.