Unpaid leave for public servants going abroad for employment

Accordingly, public servants will be given the opportunity to work abroad for a maximum of five years during their tenure, which will not affect the seniority and pension of that official, said Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

The Minister said that if any government official is already abroad with or without pay and intends to take further unpaid leave, the necessary formal approval will be granted without having to return to the country.

Under this the power to grant leave will be vested in the Secretary to the Ministry, the Minister said.

Mr. Gunawardena also said that the government is confident that by adopting such a process without compromising the public service, it will be possible to contribute more to the GDP.