An investigation has been launched into an incident at a Borella school where a teacher was allegedly sent home by the principal for not wearing a saree during a drill practice session, according to Western Provincial Education Director (Acting) E.R. Devabandhu.
The provincial education department has received two separate complaints, one from the principal and the other from the teacher and officials have been directed to prepare a report after reviewing both perspectives.
Devabandhu explained that while the Ministry of Education has previously recommended that teachers wear appropriate attire, flexibility was allowed during the Covid period, permitting more comfortable clothing.
Lanka Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin provided further details, stating that since students were undergoing drill training, the teacher had arrived in casual attire, bottom pants and a T-shirt for ease of movement. He emphasized that drill practice in a saree would be impractical, which is why the teacher opted for a more suitable outfit.
However, the principal reportedly refused to allow the teacher into the school, preventing her from signing the attendance register and ordering her to return in a saree. As a result, drill training at the school was disrupted that day.
Following the incident, the teacher filed a complaint with the Acting Provincial Director of Education, citing embarrassment and unfair treatment.
The controversy has sparked debate over teacher dress codes and practicality in school activities, with education officials now investigating whether the principal’s actions were justified.
