Controversial dress code circular amended

• To include “appropriate attire” in addition to sari and osari
• Amended circular gets Cabinet nod
• New dress code includes attire that is “decent and upholds the respectability of the public service”
• No restrictions on clothing in keeping with employees’ religious requirements 
• Face must be visible to ensure security requirements are met

By Chandani Kirinde

A controversial circular that made it mandatory for women in the State sector to wear either the saree or osari to work will be amended to include appropriate attire that is “decent and upholds the respectability of the public service”. The draft circular got approval of Cabinet on Tuesday.

The circular adds that in addition to the dress code stipulated for women workers in Ministries, Provincial Government offices and departments, those whose are required to wear certain clothing in keeping with their religious requirements can do so. However, it states that at all times the full face of the wearer must be visible and the dress must comply with the new regulations put in place to ensure security in work places.

The circular issued by the Ministry of Public Administration and Disaster Management last month under the heading ‘Ensuring security in the office premises of the Government’ ran into trouble after it was made mandatory for women workers in many State sector jobs to wear either the sari or osari.

People visiting Government offices to obtain services are required to dress in a manner that their identity can be verified.