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Protagonists far apart in school dress tussle
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A number of school teachers from various parts of the country reported to work on Monday in casual dress
By Jayanie Madawala
The dispute over dress code for school teachers still remains unresolved and unions insist that teachers should be given the same freedom allowed to other public sector employees.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, and the Education Ministry, have so far not resolved the dispute. Both have not taken responsibility.
Priyantha Mayadunne, secretary to the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry said the circular regarding Government officers on reporting to work in an easy and decent dress, does not apply to school teachers.
He said the Education Ministry should announce its own decision.
He explained that the circular was issued during the coronavirus disease pandemic, but does not apply to teachers.
If the Cabinet issues any amended circulars, the ministry would act accordingly, he said.
However, Nihal Ranasingha the secretary of the Ministry of Education said: “We have not issued such circulars in relation to the dress code of the teachers.’’
The Public Administration Ministry has introduced the circular. “We have no interference with their circulars,’’ he said.
A number of school teachers from various parts of the country reported to work on Monday in casual dress.
Ms. Shalvin, a school teacher in Kandy said: “We do not hesitate to wear the sari if we must. It should be a uniform, if it is mandatory, like the police uniform.’’
Public officers were allowed to dress in appropriate and modest attire to preserve the dignity of the public service in office, while performing duties and field duties. National or prescribed attire is required at Parliament, court, and national or international events. Teachers are not excluded.
Women teachers should have freedom to dress comfortably within parameters of a practical and reasonable dress-code respecting their individuality, sense and sensibility.
In the circular related to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, it is not mentioned that Government workers (female) must wear a sari. It mentions that public sector employees could report to work in suitable attire. 
Y.S.Paranagama, a teacher in Negombo said casual dress is easier than wearing a sari. “We are happy to wear the sari, too.’’ She also said teachers could lose respect, particularly if their dress code was changed.
The sari is standard attire for teachers. “I would not think a substantial number of teachers want to ditch the sari.’’
She believes that this whole argument is silly and pointless.
“For instance, during the last week I have to buy 10 blue pens for the whole week for Rs 25 each. There are students who can’t afford to buy stationery.’’ Ceylon Teachers’ Union, general secretary, Joseph Stalin said under the circular 05/2022 issued on 29 September 2022 by the Ministry of Public Administration, public officers are allowed to dress in appropriate and modest attire.
He claimed that teachers, too, are Government workers.
“We never demand that our teachers should not wear the sari. Those who want to wear casual clothes let them wear it because it’s a fundamental right.’’
Despite real problems that students face, the Government is trying to divert attention by stirring up unimportant issues, he said.
School stationery prices have skyrocketed because of additional taxes. Also, the new school year syllabuses had not been printed, he noted.
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