Govt workers contesting LG polls allowed to resume employment

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted its approval for public sector employees, who have submitted their nominations as candidates for the Local Government election, to be employed at the closest local government constituency except the one they are contesting.

The decision was taken after considering the observations made by the Election Commission regarding the measures to be taken about the government employees until the Local Government election is held.

The proposal was made to the Cabinet by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his capacity as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils & Local Government,

Speaking on the matter on Tuesday (May 02), State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Janaka Wakkumbura said the election body has recommended paying the respective salaries and allowances to public sector employees contesting the Local Government election.

At least 3,000 public servants, who have handed over nominations for the election, are currently on unpaid leave.

As the LG election was repeatedly postponed, the government employees contesting the polls are struggling financially as their unpaid leave was extended.