The Social Justice Party has strongly condemned a recent directive reportedly issued by the Director of Health Services in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, which prohibits Muslim women employed in the health sector in Trincomalee from wearing the hijab while on duty.
In a strongly worded statement, the party described the directive as a violation of constitutional rights, citing Article 10 and Clauses (e) and (f) of Article 14(1) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, which guarantee freedom of religion and cultural expression.
“This order is not only unconstitutional but also a direct attack on the self-respect and cultural identity of Muslim women,” the statement read, emphasizing that such actions contradict the principles of coexistence in a multi-ethnic society.
The party further challenged the lack of scientific basis behind the ban, asserting that there is no medically recognized evidence to justify the claim that the hijab affects health services or patient care. The Social Justice Party urged the Minister of Health to intervene immediately and issue a clear directive allowing the wearing of religious attire during medical and administrative duties.
Highlighting previous incidents where administrative decisions have targeted minority practices, the party drew parallels with the forced cremation of COVID-19 victims and restrictions on Muslim students with beards at Eastern University, arguing that culturally insensitive directives continue despite changes in political leadership.
“Such discriminatory policies create unnecessary divisions and perpetuate marginalization in a country that must embrace religious and cultural pluralism,” the party said, adding that it is the moral and political responsibility of the state to safeguard the rights of all citizens, especially minority communities.
The Social Justice Party reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of Muslim women and all citizens, insisting that cultural and religious freedoms must be respected in public institutions.
