Another discussion between Muslim civil society leaders and government representatives was held yesterday (23) under the patronage of Minister Vijitha Herath. Deputy Speaker Mr.Rizvi Sali, Hon. Minister Sunil Senevi, Hon. Deputy Minister Munir Mulaffar, Hon. Deputy Minister Arkam Ilyas and Hon. Member of Parliament, Fasmin Sheriff also participated in the discussion , representing the government, in a series of discussions aimed at further studying and resolving the issues facing the Muslim community.
Representatives of civil society organizations pointed out in this discussion that Muslim nurses working in government hospitals have been facing a long-standing problem of wearing uniforms that cover their heads and legs while protecting their Muslim religious identity. They also pointed out that due to this, Muslim women have been less likely to enter the health service and that a significant number of them have abandoned the nursing profession or are reluctant to enter the nursing profession even after completing their nursing education.
After studying the issue raised by the civil society representatives at length, Minister Vijitha Herath pointed out that there is no obstacle to wearing uniforms while protecting one’s religious identity within the existing legal framework regarding nurses’ uniforms. Therefore, the Minister emphasized that one should not use one’s religion or culture as an obstacle to entering the nursing profession.
Although the final rites for Muslim deaths should be carried out within a very short period of time, the civil society representatives also pointed out that the long process of obtaining various certificates introduced during the Covid pandemic is still being implemented in some areas, which is delaying the final rites for the bodies of Muslim devotees.
Responding to this, Minister Vijitha Herath stated that a circular has already been issued to act in the manner that existed before the Covid period regarding deaths and that the relevant officials have been informed to follow that circular. He also requested that if any area is still operating in the manner that existed during the Covid period, the relevant circular be presented and steps be taken to prevent delays.
30 representatives of 15 organizations including the All Ceylon Jamiatul Ulama , representing Muslim civil society leaders, participated in this discussion.
