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

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answers are as follows:

¶ 02 (a)(i) Yes.

¶ 03 (ii) Yes, as per the Establishments Code provisions.

¶ 04 (iii) Yes.

¶ 05 (iv) In terms of Public Administration Circular No. 32/91(ii) dated 10.01.2008 and Public Administration Circular No. 12/2021 dated 25.06.2021 (which amended the Establishments Code), paragraph 8:015, relevant provisions apply.

¶ 06 (v) Yes.

¶ 07 (vi) Yes. Under Public Administration Circulars 32/91(ii) and 12/2021, a legal entitlement exists. As per section 2.1 of Circular 32/91(ii), public officers with political rights appointed as Mayor/Chairman of Local Authorities may be granted seven days’ duty leave per month to perform duties of the Local Authority while engaging in duties of their substantive post on other working days; or, if they do not opt for such duty leave, they may take no-pay leave for the full tenure to hold the political office.

¶ 08 (vii) Not applicable.

¶ 09 (viii) Not applicable.

¶ 10 (b) Not applicable.

¶ 11 By letter No. DSD/110/02//&10/05/Parliamentary Questions dated 07.10.2025 from the Samurdhi Commissioner General, it is indicated that both Chairpersons were granted seven days’ duty leave per month for Chairperson duties, and on the remaining working days were required to perform normal duties in the Samurdhi Development Department. Therefore, receiving the government salary and the allowance for the Chairperson post is not barred under Circular 32/91(ii), section 2.1.