The government has announced that public officials who were unable to report for work due to floods, landslides, road blockages, and disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah will be granted special leave.
The decision was communicated through a circular issued yesterday (15) by the Secretary to the Ministry of State Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to all Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, and Heads of Departments.
According to the circular, officials who could not attend work due to the suspension of public transport or blocked roads caused by natural disasters are eligible to apply for this leave. To do so, officers must submit a request to the Head of their Institution, detailing the reason for their absence, along with a recommendation from the Grama Niladhari of their area, certified by the Divisional Secretary.
The Head of the Institution is required to personally verify the accuracy of the submission before forwarding it to the Head of Department for approval of the special leave for the relevant period.
The Ministry has clarified that this special leave applies only to absences recorded in November and December.
