Special Leave Granted to Government Officials Absent Due to Ditwa Cyclone

The government has decided to grant special leave to state officials who were unable to report to work due to the disaster situations that affected the country.

The relevant circular 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.

Accordingly, this special leave is to be granted to officials who were unable to report to work due to the disruption of public transport services from their place of residence to their workplace because of the Ditwa cyclone, or due to road blockages, or being affected by the disasters.

To obtain this special leave, an application must be submitted to the Head of the Institution, stating the reason for being unable to report for duty, and including the recommendation of the Grama Niladhari (Village Officer) of their area, certified by the Divisional Secretary.

The circular states that the Head of the Institution must examine the official's application, certified by the Divisional Secretary, and only if personally satisfied with its accuracy, should it be forwarded to the Head of the Department for approval of special leave for the number of days the official was unable to report for duty.

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has also informed that this special leave should only be granted for the months of November and December.