The Sri Lanka Nurses’ Association (SLNA) has condemned a statement by Minister Vijitha Herath, which appeared to endorse modifications of nursing uniforms to accommodate Muslim dress codes.
SLNA President W.A. Keerthirathne said the Minister’s claim was misleading, emphasizing that no official circular has been issued permitting any change to nursing uniforms.
He noted that while discussions with Muslim civil society organisations confirmed there are no legal barriers to religious dress codes, the Minister’s remarks could create unnecessary confusion in the health sector.
Keerthirathne underscored that the nursing uniform, a symbol of professionalism dating back to Florence Nightingale, is not intended to represent cultural or religious identity.
He reiterated that only uniforms approved by the Uniform Committee of the Health Ministry and the Sri Lanka Nursing Council are officially recognised for public service nurses.
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