The Ministry of Labour has urged private-sector employers to grant leave to employees based on the distance to their polling stations for the 2024 General Election, which will be held tomorrow.
According to S. Aloka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry, employees are entitled to:
- Half-day leave – if the polling station is within 40 km from the workplace.
- Full-day leave – if the polling station is between 40 km and 100 km.
- One and a half days leave – if the distance is between 100 km and 150 km.
- Two days leave – if the polling station is more than 150 km away.
The Secretary emphasized that these leaves should not affect employees’ salaries or personal leave entitlements, ensuring they can participate in the election.
