August 28, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to allow employees of the Samurdhi Development Authority (SDA) to be absorbed into the Department of Samurdhi Development (DSD). This decision was announced by Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana during the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department.
The need for this move arises from the establishment of the Department of Divineguma Development under the Divineguma Act No. 01 of 2013, which had initially provided opportunities for SDA employees to transfer to the Department of Divineguma Development, with the option to retain pension benefits according to their preference.
Despite these provisions, approximately 3,000 SDA employees were unable to make this transition due to various circumstances. To address this, the Cabinet has now approved a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to allow these employees to be absorbed into the Department of Samurdhi Development. This process will be carried out within the existing legal framework and in consultation with the Public Service Commission.
This decision aims to resolve the long-standing issue of employment status for these workers, ensuring they are integrated into the formal structure of the Department of Samurdhi Development.
