Introduction
The marginalization and discrimination faced by Sri Lanka’s Muslim community have escalated in recent years, particularly under the guise of national security and counterterrorism measures. The report, presented by Amnesty International in March 2021, documents a concerning rise in government actions and societal violence that specifically target Muslims, a minority group constituting approximately 9% of Sri Lanka’s population. These measures have led to the curtailment of religious freedoms, exacerbated inter-community tensions, and raised serious concerns about the future of human rights in the country.
1. Systematic Targeting of Muslims
Cabinet Proposal to Ban the Burqa and the Niqab
One of the most prominent steps taken by the Sri Lankan government was the proposal to ban the burqa and niqab in March 2021. The proposal was justified under the pretext of national security and religious extremism. This action disproportionately affects Muslim women who wear these face coverings as part of their religious practices. The ban effectively restricts their ability to participate in public life, whether by working, studying, or accessing basic services, as it forces them into isolation from public spaces. The proposed ban stands in direct violation of the rights to non-discrimination, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression, as protected by international human rights frameworks like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)【14†source】.
Ban on Madrasas (Islamic Religious Schools)
In conjunction with the burqa ban, the Sri Lankan government proposed the closure of more than 1,000 madrasas that were reportedly operating outside the national education policy. This proposal is another discriminatory measure targeting Muslim religious practices under the guise of educational reform. It infringes upon the rights of Muslim communities to practice and teach their religion freely, as guaranteed by Article 18 of the ICCPR. Instead of outright bans, Amnesty International recommended that madrasas be brought in line with national standards while respecting the right to religious education【14†source】.
Mandatory Scrutiny of Islamic Religious Texts
Since March 2021, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence has imposed strict controls on the importation of Islamic religious texts, requiring government approval for their release. This regulation specifically targets Islamic literature, further marginalizing the Muslim community by limiting access to religious resources. It is a violation of the right to freedom of religion and the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information, as protected under the ICCPR【14†source】.
2. The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the De-Radicalization Program
Regulations under the Prevention of Terrorism Act
On 12 March 2021, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issued new regulations under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for the de-radicalization of individuals allegedly holding violent extremist religious ideologies. These regulations allow the authorities to detain individuals for up to two years without a fair trial, under the guise of rehabilitation at de-radicalization centers. The broad and vague definitions of offenses under this regulation leave room for potential abuse, including the suppression of legitimate political dissent and further targeting of Muslim individuals【14†source】【14†source】.
The report draws parallels to the post-2009 civil war period, where Tamil suspects were held in so-called rehabilitation camps under similar provisions, often facing torture, sexual violence, and other forms of mistreatment. With no clear legal basis for these detentions, the PTA regulations severely undermine the right to a fair trial and due process【14†source】.
3. Forced Cremations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sri Lankan government mandated the cremation of all individuals who died or were suspected to have died from the virus. This regulation disproportionately impacted the Muslim community, as Islamic burial rites forbid cremation. Despite international health guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) allowing for both burial and cremation, the government’s decision was enforced for nearly a year. Amnesty International, along with other human rights organizations, condemned the decision as a discriminatory practice based on ethno-religious nationalism. Although the cremation mandate was lifted in March 2021, burial sites were often located in remote areas, making it difficult for families to perform last rites【14†source】【14†source】.
4. High-Profile Cases of Arbitrary Detention
Hejaaz Hizbullah
Hejaaz Hizbullah, a prominent Muslim lawyer and advocate for minority rights, was arrested under the PTA in April 2020. Despite his legal standing, Hizbullah was held for nearly a year without unrestricted access to legal counsel and family, and in March 2021, he was charged with inciting communal disharmony. His detention is widely viewed as an attempt to suppress his activism for Muslim rights【14†source】.
Ahnaf Jazeem
Ahnaf Jazeem, a young Tamil poet, was arrested in May 2020 for a collection of poems titled “Navarasam,” which the authorities claimed contained extremist content. Amnesty International reviewed his writings and found that they were not promoting extremism but rather speaking against violence and war. Jazeem was subjected to inhumane conditions in detention, denied access to legal representation, and forced to sign self-incriminating statements in a language he did not understand【14†source】.
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
The report concludes that the Sri Lankan government’s actions against the Muslim community amount to systematic discrimination and repression. Amnesty International calls for an immediate repeal of the new PTA regulations, a halt to policies that specifically target Muslims, and a fair trial for those arbitrarily detained. The international community, including the United Nations and the Human Rights Council, must strengthen their monitoring and take preventive actions to avoid further violations.
Amnesty International also emphasizes the need for accountability for past human rights violations, protection of civic space, and the promotion of dialogue and peace among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities. Without such measures, the risk of future violations and unrest remains high【14†source】.
