Monday declared a public holiday: Home Affairs Ministry

The Government had declared Monday (16) as a Public Holiday, due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Janaka Bandara Thennakoon said.

He said the decision was taken according to the holidays Act No29 of 1971 to support quarantine process on COVID-19 and said this holiday would be extended if situation warrants. However, the Ministry had requested the wholesale and retail traders to remain open.

In the meantime, the Health Ministry had announced Monday would be a normal working day for health workers, as health is an essential service.

However, the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) yesterday requested private organisations to provide the opportunity for all their employees who were able to work from home to do so, in a bid to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

While issuing a notice they said it is important to use the internet and communication services that have been provided.

The Association further instructed the public to use online services for bill payments and banking, instead of gathering in public places.

The Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardane yesterday requested the private sector employers to grant holiday for all the employees on Monday (16). (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)