Special mechanism on recalling public servants for duty: Jayasumana

Special mechanism would be introduced to recalling of pregnant mothers and public servants for duty, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Channa Jayasumana said today.

He told parliament that a special discussion was held at the Finance Ministry presided by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on the Covid situation admitted that fast spreading of the Delta variant.

He said it was decided at the meeting attended by the Director General of Health Services, Public Administration Ministry Secretary and Finance Ministry Secretary that a special mechanism should be in place to recall public servants for duty.

The Minister said the Public Administration Ministry would issue a circular allowing pregnant mothers to work from home.

He said it was also agreed to issue a circular allowing public servants to report for duty on shift basis on the consent of the head of the institution and the recommendation of the Public Ministry Secretary.

"Accordingly, the staffers of a particular institution could be called for duty on two shifts per week. A group of staffers could be called for duty on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays while the other group on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays," he said.

He said steps would be taken to vaccinate public servants below the age of 30.

The Minister said a responsible officer would be appointed to every public institution to monitor the operating of proper health practices within those institutions.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)