Internal sources in the Ministry of Health say that due to a large number of staff members taking leave at once, it has become difficult to continue essential services within the Ministry.
As a result, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media has decided to temporarily suspend the approval of leave, including foreign travel, for its staff until further notice.
This decision was announced in a circular issued by the Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. Anil Jasinghe. The circular also states that recruitment for all vacant positions within the Ministry of Health and Mass Media will be restricted until further notice.
However, the Sri Lanka Free Health Services Association has submitted a letter to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, expressing concern over the new order.
The association further states that even domestic leave entitlements protected under public administration circulars have been cancelled by this move.
The association’s General Secretary Roy de Mel states that this sudden decision will cause great difficulties to officers and employees who have planned foreign leave, including those who have obtained training programs, visas and related documents.