December 16, Colombo (LNW): The Government has authorised a special leave arrangement for public sector employees who were unable to attend work as a result of flooding, landslides and transport disruptions caused by recent adverse weather.
A circular issued on Monday by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has been sent to ministry secretaries, provincial chief secretaries and heads of government institutions outlining the decision.
Under the directive, state employees who could not report for duty due to the breakdown of public transport links, blocked roads or other disaster-related obstacles linked to Cyclone Ditwah will be eligible for this concession.
Affected officers must submit a written application to the head of their institution explaining the reason for their absence. The request should be supported by a recommendation from the relevant Grama Niladhari and endorsed by the Divisional Secretary.
Institutional heads have been instructed to carefully review each application and, if satisfied with its validity, forward it to the respective head of department for approval covering the actual period of absence.
The Ministry clarified that this special leave facility will be limited to absences recorded during November and December only, and will not extend beyond this timeframe.
