The Arabic word “Hijab,” which translates to “cover,” is a term frequently used to refer to the Islamic practice of modesty. Muslim women of all ages, backgrounds and culture across the world wear the hijab, which is a headscarf or piece of clothing that covers the head, hair, and neck to protect their modesty and keep out unwanted male attention. Verses extracted from the Quran state that the “Hijab” is an obligatory practice for all Muslim women.
Sri Lanka is still reeling from the consequences of a 25-year-old civil war between the ethnically, linguistically, and religiously different Sinhalese and Tamils. The war, which terminated in 2009, remains an unhealed wound for many whose loved ones went missing, killed, or displaced. Sri Lanka’s president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, is also distrusted by many who harbour resentment towards him over accusations of his war crimes during the civil war when he was the defence secretary. However, Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis has brought the union of previously divided groups under one Sinhalese flag as protests rage on against the government, which is governed by the Rajapaksa brothers, for their ill-advised decisions leading to a mismanagement of Sri Lanka’s economy and the Covid-19 pandemic. Civilians’ anger and disappointment are directed towards the government’s inaction as Sri Lankans have had to endure months of food, fuel, medicine and essential depletion, as well as frequent power outages, with no hope for amelioration in sight.
