No pay leave for public service officers to take up overseas jobs

A circular has been issued today allowing no pay leave with proceed with securing jobs locally or overseas for public service officers without causing any prejudice to seniority and pension.

The circular was issued following the cabinet meeting held on Monday with the participation of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministries.

It has been decided to grant no pay leave for public service officers for them to be here or overseas under special provisions, deviating from the provisions existing in the Establishments Code that allows no pay leave. 

Accordingly, public service officers are able to obtain no pay leave for a total period of five years as the maximum period, so as to be able to make it applicable to their seniority and pension.

To engage in an employment in a foreign institution, the officer should obtain approval for no pay leave to remain here or travel overseas using proper channels by submitting particulars of the jobs in which the officer expects to engage in a particular foreign country during the period of the availed no pay leave and all other relevant details to the authority for getting their request for the said no pay leave approved.

In addition, public service officers below the age of 35 are able to obtain no pay leave for a maximum of one year to develop their IT skills, knowledge of English language or any other language, or to complete a vocational training program at a recognized institution.

The provisions of this circular will be effective from today (June 22, 2022).  (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)