A circular has been issued authorising a special advance payment of up to Rs. 4,000 for public officials in view of the upcoming festive season.
The circular, issued by Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, S. Aloka Bandara, has been addressed to all Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, and Heads of Departments.
According to the circular, the advance—traditionally granted to government officials each year during the festive season—is a non-refundable payment not exceeding Rs. 4,000. The advance is to be disbursed from 1 January and completed by the last day of February of the same year.
The circular further states that the amount will be recovered in ten equal monthly instalments, subject to an annual interest rate of 8 percent.
