Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath met with a group of Muslim civil society leaders today to discuss issues faced by the Muslim community in Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions focused on concerns regarding the cultural attire of Muslim nurses employed in government hospitals and delays in burial procedures for deceased persons due to outdated COVID-19–era guidelines.
Minister Herath clarified that no legal restrictions exist preventing Muslim nurses from wearing attire that reflects their religious and cultural identity, provided it remains consistent with existing regulations governing official duties.
He further noted that a circular reinstating pre-pandemic burial procedures has already been issued, ensuring that burial practices can now be conducted under the same guidelines that existed prior to the COVID-19 period.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker Rizvi Sally, Minister Sunil Senewiratne, State Ministers Muneer Mulaffar and Arkam Illyas, and MP Fasmim Sherif.
Representatives from 15 Muslim civil society organizations, including religious leaders and members of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), also took part in the discussions, engaging in a constructive dialogue on strengthening mutual understanding and addressing longstanding community concerns.
