Results of 70 Muslim Students Withheld in Sri Lanka Over Wearing Hijab in Exams

The controversy surrounding the withholding of exam results for 70 Muslim girls in Sri Lanka has sparked widespread debate and condemnation, highlighting issues of religious freedom, discrimination, and educational access in the country.

The students, primarily from Zahira College in Trincomalee and predominantly from low-income families, appeared for their Advanced Level (A/L) exams in January 2024. 

They wore loose, transparent white shawls instead of traditional hijabs to comply with college regulations requiring visible ears to prevent cheating. 

Despite being allowed into the examination hall under these conditions, the Department of Examinations later decided to withhold their results, alleging that the shawls could have concealed Bluetooth earpieces.

The decision has been met with strong criticism from teachers, activists, and the Muslim community, who argue that the students followed the guidelines set by the college and were unfairly penalized. 

Activist Shreen Saroor condemned the move as an act of discrimination fueled by anti-Muslim sentiments prevalent not only within the Sinhala Buddhist majority but also within the Tamil community.

In response to the controversy, Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara clarified that the rule requiring both ears to remain uncovered during exams was established following consultations with various groups, including Muslim religious leaders. 

He pointed out that this regulation has been in place for years and was also endorsed by the Sri Lankan Parliament.

However, the lack of clarity on when the results will be released has left the affected students in limbo, uncertain about their educational future and the opportunity to progress to higher levels of study.

This incident is not the first of its kind in Trincomalee, where Muslim dress codes have been a contentious issue in the education sector. 

While similar challenges have been reported in the region, other parts of Sri Lanka have not seen the same level of discrimination against Muslim A/L candidates. 

In a separate incident in Colombo in 2023, 13 women sitting for a teachers' exam faced a comparable issue related to their attire.

The withholding of exam results jeopardizes the educational prospects of these students, who have already faced socioeconomic challenges. 

Denying them their grades based on attire raises questions about fairness and inclusivity in Sri Lanka's education system, particularly for minority groups like the Muslim community.

The incident has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations and advocacy groups calling for transparency, fairness, and respect for religious freedoms in educational settings. 

The United Nations and other global bodies have stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to education without discrimination based on religion or ethnicity.

As Sri Lanka grapples with the fallout from this controversy, the need for a balanced approach that respects cultural and religious diversity while upholding academic integrity is paramount. 

The resolution of this issue will be crucial in determining the country's commitment to inclusive education and protecting the rights of minority communities. 

Moving forward, meaningful dialogue and proactive measures are essential to prevent similar incidents and foster a more tolerant and equitable educational environment for all students in Sri Lanka.