Sri Lanka to ban burqa, shut more than 1,000 Islamic schools

Burqa clothing in the Buddhist majority nation was temporarily banned in 2019 after Islamic militants bombed churches and hotels, killing more than 250 people. Later that year, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, best known for sparking a decade-long insurrection in the north of the country, was elected president as defense minister after promising an offensive against extremism.

Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekera said at a press conference that he signed a document Friday to get cabinet approval to ban the protective clothing of some Muslim women on "national security" grounds. At a press conference, Weerasekara said: “The burqa is something that directly affects our national security…this [dress] came into Sri Lanka only recently. It is a symbol of their religious extremism.” While the minister said he had signed the documents banning the burqa, the measure was pending cabinet approval. More than 1,000 madrasas would be closed, he said.

• The Sri Lankan government announced that it will ban the wearing of burqas and close more than 1,000 Islamic schools. This is the latest move affecting the country's Muslim minority. In addition, the government announced on Saturday that it will use the controversial anti-terrorism law to combat "religious extremism." "It has given far-reaching powers to detain suspects for 'de-radicalization for up to two years. 
• Public Security Minister Sarat Villasecra said at a press conference that he signed a document on Friday. Obtained government approval to ban wearing veils, which are garments that cover the entire body and face. Some Muslim women use veils for "national security" reasons. "" "Muslim women and girls never wear veils these days," he said-This is a sign of religious extremism. It happened recently. We definitely will.
• In addition, President Gotabai Rajapaksa issued a decree that allows anyone to be arrested under the Terrorism Prevention Act (PTA), responsible for the implementation of "violent acts or religious, radical or community disharmony or malicious or hostile sentiments" between different communities. 
• This action occurred on the eve of the second anniversary of the Easter Sunday attack in 2019, resulting in 279 deaths and more than 500 injuries. Local Islamic extremists are accused of building three churches and three elite hotels. Burqas have been banned in 19 countries, including Austria, Denmark, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Switzerland, and other countries.