The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the answers are as follows.

¶ 02 (a)(i) It has been observed that such officers exist.

¶ 03 (a)(ii) Under Public Service Commission procedural rules, annual transfer applications are permitted and transfers are effected each year subject to matching with substitutes. Additionally, during recruitments, measures are taken to transfer officers who have served the maximum period in a single station and are awaiting transfer. Where an incumbent has served over 12 years in the same Ministry/Department/Provincial Council and another officer has applied for that post in the annual transfers, the incumbent will be transferred and the applicant posted.

¶ 04 (a)(iii) Annual transfers are granted wherever possible; besides annual transfers, mutual transfers and transfers on request are effected. District and divisional officers perform duties within the legal framework; variations in completion timeframes can occur based on officer capacity and commitment.

¶ 05 (a)(iv) When such issues arise, the Additional Secretary (Home Affairs), who oversees district administration, examines the matter and submits observations and recommendations. Based on these, appropriate disciplinary or administrative action will be taken by the Public Service Commission (appointing authority) or the Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration (administrative authority). Post-transfer compliance is monitored and reported to the PSC. A data system within the Ministry captures service duration at each station for annual transfer planning.

¶ 06 (b)(i) Steps are underway to further systematize the process through technological means, making it easier to identify officers exceeding durations and to take necessary action. However, annual transfers depend on availability of substitutes; removing long-serving incumbents is sometimes difficult without replacements.

¶ 07 (b)(ii) and (iii) A more effective mechanism is proposed. After demarcating service stations for senior positions, a rotational approach would be more productive. Following study, a policy decision will be taken.

¶ 08 (c)(i) and (ii) Following the above study, policy decisions will be submitted to the Public Service Commission, the approving authority for transfer policy, for approval.

¶ 09 (d) Does not arise.