• Min. defends suspension of local/foreign leave of absence as essential services continuity affected by high no. of staff taking same; vacancies recruitments also restricted  
• Union seeks Public Admin. Secy.’s intervention citing ultra vires violation of institutional entitlements, undermining of admin. procedures

The Ministry of Health stated that due to a high volume of staff members taking leave of absence, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain the continuous operation of essential services within the ministry, given the critical nature of its duties. 

As a result, the ministry has decided to temporarily suspend the approval of leave of absence including for travel overseas for its staff until further notice. This decision was formally announced through a circular issued by the Secretary to the Ministry Dr. Anil Jasinghe.

The same circular also notes that recruitment for all vacant positions within the ministry will be restricted until further notice.

However, raising concerns over this new directive, the Freedom Health Services Union has submitted a letter to the Ministry of Public Administration, highlighting that the circular issued by Dr. Jasinghe violates institutional entitlements, particularly those related to foreign leave, which are outlined in existing regulatory frameworks. The Union further stated that even local leave entitlements, which are protected under Public Administrative circulars, have effectively been nullified by this move. The General Secretary of the Union Roy de Mel emphasised that this sudden suspension causes significant difficulties for officials and employees who have already planned foreign leave, including those who have secured training programs, visas, and related documentation. 

The Union argues that the decision by Dr. Jasinghe is not only invalid but also unlawful, as it exceeds the Ministry’s authority and undermines established administrative procedures. Therefore, the Union has urged the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration to intervene immediately and revoke the circular and related directives, which they describe as arbitrary and in violation of institutional and legal provisions.