Author: Humaira Riyas

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 often described as “five pieces cloth” has remained unchanged since the colonial era, is increasingly criticized as outdated, impractical, and culturally restrictive particularly for Muslim female nurses who are wearing hijabs struggling to enter  this profession.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…