Colombo, September 9, 2024 – The Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a new circular implementing stricter regulations for government employees regarding absenteeism and promotions. This decision comes as part of an effort to improve efficiency and address longstanding issues related to unnotified absences and delayed promotions.
Under the new guidelines, government officials who fail to report to work for more than five days without prior notice will now face a more stringent procedure. The PSC has mandated that notices of resignation must be issued within the first five days following this period of unnotified absence. This measure aims to tackle the delays that have previously been observed, where notices of resignation were sometimes issued over a year after the absence began.
The circular also specifies that if an official provides an excuse for their absence, it must comply with Section 216 of the Public Service Commission Rules of Procedure. Furthermore, any decision made by the disciplinary authority regarding a resignation notice must be communicated to the concerned officer in writing.
In addition to addressing absenteeism, the new circular outlines updated regulations for promotions to the special grade of the Dipa Wide Services. Officials promoted to this grade are required to assume their new positions within 22 working days from receiving their appointment letters. Failure to report for duty within this timeframe will result in the cancellation of the promotion.
The PSC’s new circular is intended to enhance the management of public sector employees by ensuring that absenteeism is addressed promptly and that promotions are executed without unnecessary delays.
