January 18, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Public Administration has issued fresh instructions to government institutions, calling for flexibility in work arrangements to support Muslim employees during the forthcoming month of Ramadan.
In an official directive circulated to public offices, ministry secretary Aloka Bandara has requested heads of institutions to organise duty rosters in a manner that enables staff observing Ramadan to fulfil their religious practices without disruption to essential services. The guidance reflects the government’s stated commitment to respecting religious diversity within the public sector.
Ramadan is expected to fall between February 19 and March 21, during which Muslim devotees observe fasting and prayer at specific times of the day. To accommodate these obligations, the circular recommends that work schedules be adjusted around early morning, late afternoon and evening periods, including pre-dawn, sunset and night-time prayer hours.
The directive further notes that eligible public servants should be granted festival-related financial advances two weeks before the conclusion of the Ramadan period, in line with existing public service provisions.
Officials have been urged to implement these measures with sensitivity while ensuring the continued delivery of public services throughout the festive season.
