The Ministry of Education has launched a special investigation into school principals who have reportedly forced female teachers to change their attire from casual clothing to sarees. This action comes after numerous complaints from teachers who claim they were pressured into adhering to a traditional dress code despite the absence of any official regulation mandating such attire.
Deputy Minister of Education Madura Seneviratne emphasized that no law, circular, or service regulation requires female teachers to wear sarees, and principals have no authority to impose personal dress code preferences on teachers. He further stated that such unilateral decisions have led to unnecessary conflicts within schools, examination centers, and assessment venues, prompting the Ministry to intervene.
The Ministry has now issued official directives instructing principals not to enforce personal dress codes and to consult the Education Ministry for guidance if any issues arise.
In response to specific incidents, a formal investigation has been launched against the principal of Maharagama President’s College, who allegedly instructed female teachers at the Advanced Level Examination Assessment Center to wear sarees. Additionally, a committee led by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education has been appointed to investigate a similar incident at Pannipitiya Dharmapala College. Based on the findings of the inquiry, further action may be taken against the principals involved.
The issue has sparked debate over dress code policies in Sri Lankan schools, with some advocating for greater flexibility and modernized guidelines to accommodate teachers’ preferences while maintaining professionalism in the education sector.
