In the wake of recent discussions regarding the attire of Muslim nurses, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils (PCs), and Local Government (LG) stated that no official change has been made to the nurses’ uniform as of now.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Minister of Public Administration, PCs, and LG, Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna said that the ministry has not received any formal recommendation from the relevant ministries regarding a revision of the existing dress code for Muslim nurses (at present, it is the standard nurses attire).

“When and if the relevant ministries provide us with a recommendation, we will consider it and take the necessary steps. There should be a recommendation from them saying that this change is needed for this purpose. There has been no such recommendation yet.”

His remarks come after the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath recently assured that there are no legal barriers preventing Muslim nurses from adhering to their religious dress requirements while serving in Government hospitals. His assurance followed concerns raised by Muslim civil society organisations, who noted that restrictions on wearing attire covering the head and legs had discouraged many Muslim women from joining or continuing in the nursing profession. The matter was discussed at a recent meeting between Muslim community representatives and Government officials, chaired by Herath as part of a dialogue to address challenges faced by the community. The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Rizvie Salih, Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Ministers Muneer Mulaffer and Arkam Ilyas, and Parliamentarian Fasmin Sharif attended on behalf of the Government.