The Hon. Anton Jayakody - Deputy Minister of Environment

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Environment, I answer:

¶ 02 (a) (i) 3,530. (ii) None. (iii) An interim order was issued by the Hon. Supreme Court to halt all actions to confirm appointments of Multi-Purpose Development Assistants, consequent to Fundamental Rights Application No. SC FR 278/2023 relating to the recruitment as permanent staff of officers serving as volunteer guides in the Department of Wildlife Conservation. That interim order was discharged on 19.12.2024; accordingly, further steps for recruiting electric fence maintenance assistants are being pursued. (iv) At the time the interim order was issued, approval for the recruitment procedure for electric fence maintenance assistants had not been granted. After the order was discharged, the recruitment procedure has again been sent to the Public Service Commission for expeditious approval. (v) Yes. (vi) Yes. Steps taken: 1. Interviews were held and suitable candidates identified. 2. Name lists for issuing appointment letters have been digitized. 3. A further letter dated 24.12.2024 was sent to the Public Service Commission requesting swift approval of the recruitment procedure after the interim order was lifted. 4. Bank details of assistants have been obtained and digitized by Head Office for salary payments. (b) Not applicable.