News

Election Commission announces leave plan for voting

Published

8 months ago

September 5, 2024

editor

The Election Commission has announced the plan for leave for both public and private sector employees for the upcoming presidential election on September 21, 2024, without loss of salary or personal leave.

For public sector employees, Article 12.3 of Chapter XII of the Institutions Code specifies that a minimum of four hours of leave must be provided for presidential elections, with special leave granted for a continuous period necessary to reach the polling station.

In the private sector, where there is no existing legal framework for such leave, the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission has addressed concerns over employers not granting voting leave.

Following discussions with the Ministry of Relations, the Department of Labour, and the Election Commission, the Commission has recommended that private sector employers grant leave based on the distance employees must travel to vote.

The suggested minimum leave is as follows:

1. 40 km or less: Half a day
2. Between 40 km and 100 km: One day
3. Between 100 km and 150 km: One and a half days
4. More than 150 km: Two days

This recommendation accounts for the fact that some voters may need up to three days off to travel to and from their polling stations.

Employees are therefore required to apply for leave in writing. Employers must maintain and display a record of the employees who have applied for and been granted special leave.

Thus, employers are strongly encouraged to adhere to these provisions to ensure employees have sufficient time to vote in the presidential election.

(sundaytimes.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Financial assistance for from President’s Fund for Gerandi Ella bus accident victims

Published

16 minutes ago

May 12, 2025

editor

A sum of Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund will be granted for each individual who lost their life in the Kotmale bus accident, the President’s Media Division states.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed that a sum of Rs. 1 million be granted from the President’s Fund to each individual who lost their life in the tragic bus accident that occurred early this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to promptly disburse these funds to the next of kin of the deceased through the President’s Fund.

In addition to this assistance, compensation will also be provided to the affected families through the Sri Lanka Transport Board and relevant insurance schemes.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, which has claimed 22 lives so far.

(Pic : Accident1st)

News

Maxwell gets 5-yr. ban

Published

25 minutes ago

May 12, 2025

editor

Former Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Maxwell de Silva was handed a five-year ban, sources revealed.

Earlier, De Silva was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Ministry of Sports due to various irregularities committed by him over several years.

Accordingly, the NOCSL Executive Committee decided to hand down a five-year ban on De Silva, considering the recommendations made by the NOCSL Ethics Committee, NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam told the Daily Mirror.

Subramaniam further stated that the penalty on De Silva has already been communicated in writing to the IOC.

Accordingly, the former secretary, who has been banned for five years, is now completely prohibited from representing the NOCSL at any foreign event or international conference.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)