Tamil-Speaking Peoples’ Political Forum Writes to Health Minister

18-Oct-2026

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The Tamil-Speaking Peoples’ Political Forum, comprising six political parties, has urged Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa in a letter to review the circular governing uniforms for healthcare workers, make the necessary amendments, and formulate a clear and practical national policy applicable to all public healthcare institutions.

In a statement issued on October 12, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka said that the fundamental rights of six Muslim female healthcare workers on duty at Kalmunai North Base Hospital had been violated when the hospital administration instructed them not to wear clothing associated with their religious beliefs, including the hijab.

Following this, the six parties represented in the Tamil-Speaking Peoples’ Political Forum, namely the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi, Democratic Tamil National Alliance, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, All Ceylon Makkal Congress, Ceylon Workers’ Congress and Tamil Progressive Alliance, jointly sent a letter to Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. The letter stated:

We are writing in response to your invitation in Parliament to submit proposals to resolve the issues arising from the existing uniform regulations applicable to healthcare assistants.

We emphasise that the uniform policy should uphold professional standards, medical hygiene and patient safety, while reasonably accommodating legitimate religious, cultural and dignity-related preferences.

The authority and responsibility to resolve this matter rest with the Government. The issue has assumed greater importance following recommendations made by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. The Government should therefore review the circular governing uniform regulations, make the necessary amendments, and establish a clear and practical national policy applicable to all public healthcare institutions.

As opposition political parties, we recognise our responsibility to contribute constructively to resolving this issue and are prepared to submit proposals for a fair and sustainable solution. However, the authority to make the necessary administrative and policy changes rests with the Government in power.

We therefore seek formal answers to three questions: Has the committee you undertook to appoint to examine this matter been duly established? What progress has it made so far? When is it expected to complete its work? the letter asked.