The government has decided to grant special leave to state officials who were unable to report to work due to floods, landslides, and road blockages.
A circular to this effect was issued yesterday (16) by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to all Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, and Heads of Departments.
According to the circular, special leave will be granted to officers who were unable to report to work due to disruptions to public transport between their place of residence and workplace caused by Cyclone Ditwah, as well as those affected by road blockages or other disaster-related conditions.
To qualify for this special leave, affected officers must submit a written request to the Head of their institution, clearly stating the reason for their absence. The request must be supported by a recommendation from the relevant Grama Niladhari and certified by the Divisional Secretary.
The circular further states that the Head of the Institution must carefully examine the request certified by the Divisional Secretary and, if satisfied with its accuracy, forward it to the Head of the Department for approval of special leave for the number of days the officer was unable to report for duty.
The Ministry also clarified that this special leave will be applicable only for the months of November and December.
