Rishad urges Health Minister to uphold Muslim women’s right to wear Hijab in Trincomalee

Colombo: All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Leader and Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen has called on Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa to intervene immediately and safeguard the constitutional rights of Muslim women working in the public health sector in Trincomalee.

In a letter addressed to the Minister, MP Bathiudeen expressed concern over recent directives allegedly issued by the Provincial Director of Health Services in the Eastern Province, reportedly instructing Muslim female health workers to refrain from wearing the Hijab—a traditional religious head covering—while on duty.

“This directive has caused significant distress among the affected women,” Bathiudeen wrote, warning that it contradicts their constitutionally guaranteed rights to religious freedom, personal dignity, and cultural identity.

Highlighting that Muslim women in the Trincomalee health sector have long performed their duties while wearing the Hijab without any impact on service delivery, the MP said the sudden change has sparked backlash from civil rights advocates and local communities.

In his appeal, Bathiudeen stressed that:

• Religious freedom is enshrined in Articles 10 and 14(1)(e) of the Constitution;

• Wearing the Hijab does not interfere with medical or administrative duties;

• Cultural and religious diversity must be respected in public institutions;

• The request is not for a new privilege, but the continuation of an established practice.

The ACMC leader urged the Health Minister to issue a clear directive permitting the wearing of religious attire within public health institutions, as long as it adheres to reasonable health and safety guidelines.