The minister was quoted as saying that “the burqa” was a “sign of religious extremism” and has a “direct impact on national security”. The burqa ban announcement caused a stir among Muslims, who saw it as yet another attack on their community. Demonising Muslims as a political strategyPolitical elites in Sri Lanka have consistently demonised minorities and incited ethno-religious animosity to win elections. Ten years after a devastating war the Sri Lankan polity shows little evidence of having learnt from its past. She has published on the social and political history of Muslims, gender politics and the anti-Muslim movement in Sri Lanka)

Source: The Nation April 18, 2021 00:45 UTC