The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) received several complaints from women who claimed that they were prevented from entering public premises and public buildings in the last two weeks. HRCSL yesterday said that it had raised concerns over the issue with the Government as well as the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and the National Chamber of Commerce. The Chairperson of the Commission Dr. Deepika Udagama wrote to the chambers and others appealing to them to ensure that no one is denied entry to public spaces unless they contravene the law. “In some instances, our concern is greater because we hear this wrongful refusal of entry leads to these women being denied essential services,” Dr. Udagama said. She noted that Emergency Regulation 32A prohibits people from wearing anything that conceals the full face in public places. The purpose of the regulation is to ensure that there is no hindrance to the identification of a person. “We are concerned to hear that many women who were attired in a manner that conforms to the said prohibition were prevented from entering private institutions and commercial enterprises. This includes women who wore headscarves, scarves that go around the head and under the chin and are clipped on the side or at the back. In some instances, women were made to remove the side clip, which then makes the head cover slip off. In all such instances, the women who were prohibited did not cover their whole face. “In a time of such great sadness for our country, we urge you to remind your members that each of us bears the responsibility to act in a manner that guarantees unity and harmony rather than enhancing differences. So, we appeal to you to take immediate steps to urge your members to ensure that all persons who conform to the prohibition contained in Regulation 32A are granted access to all private institutions under your purview. We also suggest that you provide clear guidelines to your members about the types of attire not prohibited, so as to facilitate this process,” the HRCSL Chairperson said.