- Secretary, MPA&HA

Ministry of Public Administration and Home affairs announced that concession granted for re-employment of Public Officers beyond the age of 60 based on un-availed leave has been cancelled effective from January 2011.However the provision made to extend the service of an officer beyond the age of 57 on yearly basis on the discretion of the relevant appointing authority will continue unabated.

The period of re-employment now in operation beyond the age of 60 is limited to a maximum of three months based on  the employees unavailed leave. The was facilitated  enabling the head of department to groom an officer well in advance to the post falling vacant.

The secretary of the Public Administration Ministry, Mr.D.Dissanayake clarifying the position with regard to Circular No.19/2010 reiterates that under the said circular the extension of service of Public Officers beyond the age of 57 years has not been abolished as reported by certain sections of the media.

Accordingly the Ministry  of Public Administration has  cancelled the previous circular No 24/2007 that gave effect to re-employ officers after retirement at the age of 60 years based on the leave not availed by such officers.

Meanwhile the Cabinet of Ministers exercising its powers re employ some senior public officials after retirement to key  vacant positions on service exigency.