The government has introduced revised leave provisions for public officers with political rights who contest local government elections and are subsequently elected as Deputy Mayors or Vice Chairpersons of local authorities.

According to the revised regulations, such officers will be permitted to obtain six days of paid leave for a month or, at their discretion, apply for no-pay leave for the duration of their elected tenure.

The amendment has been introduced through a revision to the Public Administration Circular No. 12/2021 dated June 25, 2021, which amended Sub-section 2:3:4 of Chapter XXXII of the Establishments Code.

The revision follows a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting held on June 22, 2026. As part of the amendment, a new Sub-section 2:3:4:1 has been incorporated into Chapter XXXII of the Establishments Code to provide the updated arrangements.

Under the newly introduced provisions, public officers elected as Deputy Mayors or Vice Chairpersons of local government authorities may exercise the option of either availing themselves of the existing six-day paid leave entitlement or obtaining no-pay leave throughout the period of holding elected office.

The amended provisions have been issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.