The debate over Sri Lanka’s nursing dress code has intensified as nurses, professional associations, and religious groups question whether the traditional uniform still reflects the needs of a modern healthcare system. The white frock with shoulder cross belts, apron, neck collar, black belt and cap with long socks and shoes- often described as “five pieces cloth” has remained unchanged since the colonial era, is increasingly criticized as outdated, impractical, and culturally restrictive particularly for Muslim female nurses who are wearing hijabs struggling to enter this profession. The number of Muslim female nurses are very low in Sri Lanka due to the restriction of wearing a head piece in to that uniform additionally.
Sri Lanka’s nursing uniform which was approved by SLNC, consisting of a five-piece set including a frock, apron, belt, collar, and cap, was introduced to mirror old British standards of discipline and neatness. While this attire once suited the slower-paced ward environment of the past, nurses argue that it no longer matches the realities of current clinical work. Many describe the uniform as physically limiting, making it difficult to bend, climb onto beds, or perform life-saving tasks such as CPR. Concerns have also been raised about the nursing cap, which is rarely washed due to its delicate structure, creating infection-control worries in high-risk units.
The issue recently entered the national spotlight when the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, claimed that no legal barrier prevents nurses from wearing uniforms that reflect religious identity. The Sri Lanka Nursing Council President immediately rejected this statement, clarifying that no official circular authorizes deviations from the standard uniform. Reports in the Daily Mirror and The Morning underscored the growing tension between policy, professional expectations, and cultural rights, while Lanka Leader highlighted legal ambiguity regarding religious expression in healthcare attire.
For many Muslim women, the uniform is more than a professional inconvenience it represents a structural obstacle to join the workforce. The frock design does not allow modest coverage such as loose trousers or long sleeves, and the mandatory cap interferes with wearing the hijab in a secure and dignified manner. Some Muslim nurses report discomfort, reduced confidence, and fear of violating religious guidelines during clinical duties. Families and community members have also expressed concern, discouraging young Muslim women from pursuing nursing due to the uniform’s incompatibility with cultural expectations. Advocacy groups argue that the current policy unintentionally excludes a segment of capable, willing female healthcare workers at a time when the country faces staffing shortages.
Amid these concerns, a social media movement has gathered momentum, with thousands of nurses joining Facebook groups started social media campaign a shift to scrubs. Supporters’ note that scrubs already standard in most global healthcare systems are safer, easier to clean, and allow modest adaptations such as long-sleeved undershirts and head coverings without compromising professionalism. Many Muslim nurses emphasize that scrubs would finally give them equal access to the profession without cultural or religious conflict.
As pressure builds, reform advocates say the uniform debate represents a larger question: should Sri Lanka continue enforcing a colonial-era dress code, or transition to a modern, inclusive standard aligned with global healthcare norms? With nurses forming the backbone of patient care, many argue that their attire should prioritize safety, dignity, mobility, and cultural inclusion. While the traditional uniform remains symbolic of Sri Lanka’s nursing heritage, rising voices insist the time has come for a practical alternative that reflects the diverse and demanding nature of today’s healthcare environment.
Note: While many Western countries are focusing on career growth, advanced education, and professional development for nurses, Sri Lankan nurses are still fighting for basic changes such as comfortable and practical uniforms. This contrast highlights how far the country is from adopting modern nursing practices seen elsewhere, underscoring the urgent need for reform.
