The Ministry of Public Administration has announced that public sector employees who exceed their authorized foreign leave—whether for work or personal reasons—will be considered to have vacated their positions if they do not return to service or secure an extension of their leave. This decision comes in response to reports that some officials who took advantage of special leave provisions during the 2022 economic crisis have failed to report back to their posts.
On Friday, Pradeep Yasaratne, Secretary of the Public Administration Ministry, issued a directive to ministry secretaries, provincial chief secretaries, and department heads, instructing them to promptly issue notices of post vacation for those who do not resume work after their leave ends. Additionally, the directive warns that failure to act against these offenders will result in disciplinary action against the responsible officers as per the Establishment Code.
Over 2,000 employees utilized this leave facility to seek foreign employment or for other travel purposes. Yasaratne highlighted a troubling trend where some officers, after receiving approved leave, extend their stay abroad beyond the authorized period. This lack of timely action against such absentees has led to administrative disruptions and hindered the delivery of efficient public services.
Public Administration State Minister Ashoka Priyantha emphasized that these measures aim to enforce strict discipline within the public service. Potential consequences for non-compliant employees may include delays in promotions, suspension of salary increments, and other disciplinary actions.
The initial intent of granting foreign leave was to allow officers the opportunity to enhance their skills and secure additional income through overseas employment.
