In a significant development, the Cabinet has granted approval to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s proposal, allowing both local and foreign unpaid leave for government officials while ensuring their seniority and pension remain unaffected.
Minister Gunawardena, responsible for Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, put forth the proposal during a previous Cabinet meeting. The approval was granted, considering the potential benefits of granting unpaid leave to government officials without compromising their seniority and pension rights.
To implement this decision, the State Administration Circular 14/2022(III) was issued on July 13, 2023, under the signature of State Administration Secretary K.D.N. Ranjith Ashoka.
The Provincial Chief Secretaries will be responsible for implementing the necessary measures outlined in this circular within the Provincial public service. Their actions will be conducted under the guidance and approval of the respective Governors. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance will issue instructions regarding the application of these provisions to officers working in public enterprises funded by the government.
The approval of this proposal highlights the government’s commitment to providing flexibility to government officials while safeguarding their entitlements and benefits, including seniority and pension rights.
