Sept 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka Department of Registration of Persons has decided to permit Muslims to wear their traditional cap Taqiyah when appearing for photos for the national identity cards.

However, the cap must cover only the head and the forehead must be bear, the Commissioner General of Registration of Persons Jagath P. Wijeweera said.

Muslim women can wear the purdah when taking photographs for national identity cards. However, the law of uncovering the left ear remains unchanged.

The law is valid since Wednesday, says the Commissioner General. The circular in this regard was issued on September 19 cancelling a former circular in relation to the matter issued in 2007.