Sri Lanka has banned all kinds of clothing that cover the face and prevent identification, such as niqabs and burqas, a week after the Easter bombings that left more than 250 people dead.
The ban does not directly refer to Muslim female garb, burqa and niqab, but was seen as a clear reference to the type of dress.
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A statement from President Sirisena's office said the ban was being introduced from Monday under new regulations brought under a state of emergency in response to the Easter bombings in the capital, Colombo.
"The ban is to ensure national security…No one should obscure their faces to make identification difficult," the statement said.
Sri Lanka's Justice Ministry had already been considering introducing laws preventing wearing of the burqa and niqab, but has expedited the ban.
On Sunday, a group of Muslim leaders called on community members to refrain from wearing clothing in a manner that obstructs identification of persons.
Reuters.
