No more casual attire for govt employees for work

Two circulars issued on the official attire of government officers have been revoked with immediate effect. 

A letter in this regard has been issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration M.P.K. Mayadunne to all Secretaries of Ministries, Chief Secretaries of Provinces and all heads of Departments. 

Accordingly, Public Administration Circular 13/2019 dated 26.06.2019 and Public Administration Circular Letter 05/2022 dated 27.09.2022 are cancelled with immediate effect. 

Mr. Mayadunne said the decision to revoke the circulars was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers this Monday.   

The 2019 circular issued after the Easter Sunday attacks, highlighted the need to be dressed in an outfit which ensures his/hers clear identification when entering premises or coming to obtain services granted by the government. 

The circular letter issued this year, in a post-pandemic work setting, stated that public officers should be allowed to be dressed in appropriate and modest attire when arriving at their office and while performing duties. 

The latter circular was caught in a dispute after female government school teachers reported to school wearing comfortable clothing instead of sarees. They stated the circular was applicable for teachers as well. 

Following the revoking of the circulars, the only applicable circular will be 08/89 circular dated 01.02.1989. It states all male officers should wear trousers and shirt and national dress for special occasions while female government officers should stick to saree or osari (except pregnant employees) or modest attire when reporting to work.