The Moratuwa University declined a request by two Muslim female undergraduates, to wear their face veils within the university premises, officials said today.

 

University Vice Chancellor Prof. Ananda Jayawardane said that two undergraduates asked for permission a few months back to wear face veils within the university premises. Subsequently, he said the matter was referred to the Resident and Disciplinary Committee, and the university’s senate.
 

“This is the first time we received such a request. It is only from two students. They all agreed that easy identification of students was needed to ensure safety and discipline within the university premises.  We are allowing them to wear headscarves. This is a decision agreed upon by all the academics including the Muslim members of the staff,” he said.
 

Prof. Jayawardane said there was no such issue at all at the university over this matter. “We are functioning as usual.  There may be an attempt to make an issue out of this,” he said.(Kelum Bandara)