The Election Commission has announced that public and private sector employees will be given special leave to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections, without any salary deductions or use of personal leave.
According to paragraph 12.3 of Chapter XII of the Establishments Code under “Special Leave of Public Officers,”, public sector employees are entitled to a minimum of four hours of leave to cast their vote. This special leave will be granted as needed, ensuring no reduction in salary.
Private sector employees will receive similar provisions, arranged by the Election Commission in coordination with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). Depending on the distance from their workplace to the polling station, private sector employees can take the following leave:
Within 40 kilometers: Half-day leave
Between 40–100 kilometers: One day
Between 100–150 kilometers: One and a half days
Over 150 kilometers: Two days
Employees are required to submit a written request to their employer, who must then display a document listing all employees granted leave for voting and the duration provided. This policy is intended to ensure that all employees have sufficient time to participate in the election without affecting their income or personal leave.
