February 06, Colombo (LNW): In preparation for the upcoming Ramadan season, the Ministry of Public Administration has issued a circular outlining special changes to public sector work shifts to accommodate Muslim officers participating in prayers and religious activities.
Addressed to Ministerial Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and Heads of State Corporations and Statutory Boards, the circular emphasizes the need to make necessary arrangements to enable Muslim officers to engage in prayers and religious activities during the Ramadan season, scheduled to begin on March 12 and conclude on April 11.
The communication instructs that work shifts should be adjusted whenever possible to allow Muslim officers the flexibility to participate in religious activities. Special leave may be granted only in unavoidable circumstances.
Furthermore, the circular directs the timely approval of the ‘festival advance’ for eligible Muslim officers in the public service, public corporations, and statutory boards. The advance is to be granted 14 days before the end of the Ramadan season, contributing to the facilitation of religious observances for the Muslim officers in the public sector.
