Sri Lanka's Cabinet on Tuesday approved a controversial proposal to ban all forms of face coverings in public places, citing a threat to national security. The move came weeks after Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara signed a note in March, seeking the approval of the Cabinet to ban burqas, an outer garments that cover the body and face worn by some Muslim women.

Lanka Cabinet approves proposal to ban face coverings in public places

Sri Lanka to soon ban the burqa and shut more than 1000 Islamic schools. The Minister for Public Security has said that he has signed papers for Cabinet approval to ban full-face covering worn by some women.

Sri Lanka likely to ban burqa, shut Islamic schools

Sri Lanka has legalised using controversial anti-terror law to punish people indulging in religious extremism and has also allowed detainment of suspects for two years on charges of "deradicalisation".

Sri Lanka legalises detention for 'deradicalisation'

Sri Lanka will ban the wearing of the burqa and shut more than a thousand Islamic schools, a government minister said on Saturday, the latest actions affecting the country`s minority Muslim population.

Sri Lanka to ban burqa, shut many Islamic schools: Minister