News

No retirement parties for public-sector officials

Published

3 years ago

November 27, 2022

editor

The Treasury has banned the conduct of parties and functions at state expenses to mark the retirement of public sector officials.

The move came after reports that some of the senior public sector employees including secretaries and heads of state-owned enterprises were planning to have functions, some of them at five-star hotels to mark their retirement at state expenses.

Some of the functions are being organised in halls or workplaces with catering services providing the food. Arrangements also have been made to provide them with gift vouchers and expensive gifts such as television sets and electrical equipment using state money, a senior Treasury official said.

Some 18,000 public-sector employees are set to retire by the end of the year due to a government decision to revise the retirement age of public-sector employees to 60 years from 65 years.

Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena issued a circular on Friday, spelling out guidelines restricting the use of state money for opening ceremonies, functions for officials assuming duties, get-togethers and similar events.

The circular has been issued to ministry secretaries, chief secretaries of provincial councils, heads of departments, district secretaries, heads of state-owned enterprises and heads of state-run banks.

They have been advised to ensure that funds are not misused as they are responsible for the funds of the respective institutions.

The circular has noted that despite previous circulars regarding the suspension of the use of state money for non-important events, there were instances that the circulars were being violated.

“The restrictions have been issued in view of the current financial situation and unnecessary expenses would be an additional burden on the Treasury,” the official said.

source – sundaytimes.lk

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.