MP Rishad Bathiudeen, the leader of the All-Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), has urged health minister Nalinda Jayatissa to immediately intervene and protect the constitutional rights of Muslim women employed in the public health sector in Trincomalee district.
Bathiudeen has written to the minister, highlighting growing concerns surrounding recent directives reportedly issued by the eastern provincial director of health services, instructing female Muslim health employees to refrain from wearing the Hijab, a traditional religious head covering, while on duty.
“This directive has caused significant distress among the affected women. It directly contradicts their constitutionally protected rights to religious freedom, personal dignity, and cultural identity,” he said.
The MP pointed out that for years, Muslim women in Trincomalee’s public health services have been performing their duties diligently while wearing the Hijab, with no impact on their professional responsibilities or work performance.
He said that the sudden change in policy has sparked outcry from civil rights advocates and community members alike.
MP Bathiudeen emphasized the following key points in his appeal to the minister:
Religious freedom is guaranteed under Article 10 and Article 14(1)(e) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
The Hijab does not interfere with the execution of medical or administrative duties.
Cultural and religious diversity must be respected in the workplace, especially within a pluralistic society.
The request is not for a new privilege, but for the continuation of an accepted and long-standing practice.
Calling for swift action, the MP urged the health minister to issue a clear directive allowing Muslim women to wear religious attire in the workplace, within reasonable health and safety parameters.
“Your intervention would not only uphold constitutional values but also send a powerful message of inclusion and respect,” he added.
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