Muslim ladies protest in Madampe

Rare sight of Muslim ladies dressed in purdah .... launching a protest

A rare sight was observed in Old Town, Madampe, Chilaw last afternoon (Feb 28) where a group of Muslim ladies were engaged in a protest. The reason for this had been that a protest was launched against a priest of the Thaufeek Jamath Islamic religious sect and some followers had been conducting religious propaganda activity after renting out a house in the town.
Muslim ladies numbering close upon 300 dressed in purdah were observed participating in the protest along Colombo Road by displaying placards of protest.
When the religious service was over, Superintendent of Police, Mr. Sanath Wickramasuriya made a special announcement to the Muslim devotees who had assembled at the place of worship and said that as much as we have our religious freedom, in the same way law can be enforced on those who behave in an aggressive manner. He also said that if we all live in this country as children of one family there will not be any national or religious disputes and we could then set an example to the whole world.
It was a matter of interest to note that on behalf of the protest of the Muslim ladies, police women constables too had been deployed on this occasion.
Photos and report -- Jude Samantha