Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero has said that Muslim women should be allowed to work in the health sector while wearing the hijab. However, he emphasized that the niqab and burqa, which conceal identity, should be prohibited.
Addressing the media, Ven. Gnanasara Thero stated that the hijab, which allows a woman to be identified, should not be opposed. He, however, said that full-face coverings such as the niqab and burqa should be discouraged.
The Thero explained that while the hijab does not conceal a person’s identity, the burqa makes identification difficult. He also noted that some Muslim women wearing the burqa have obtained driver’s licenses and identity cards.
Pointing out that such practices are foreign to Sri Lankan culture, Ven. Gnanasara Thero said that some criminals have used the burqa and niqab to commit unlawful acts.
He urged the Muslim community not to oppose this stance, reiterating that wearing the hijab is acceptable, but the burqa and niqab should be banned.
