82c55 as 8 bit latches
No, the 82C55 is by default (after a reset) programmed into three input ports of 8 bits each. This is equivalent of programming 0x9B in the control register (Mode 0 all inputs).

To program the registers as outputs you will need at minimum to write 0x80 to the control register.  

See the datasheet: http://www.intersil.com/content/dam/Intersil/documents/82c5/82c55a.pdf 

Look at Figure 4 for details on the control register values