News
Book ahead for state services, public advised
With busy phone lines and limited staff, public institutions are gradually resuming operations following the partial lifting of travel rules. Work is mostly restricted to high-demand services, and entry to offices will not be allowed unless an appointment has been made.
The public sector is struggling to get down staff from outstations, hindered by inter-province travel restrictions.
Against the backdrop of a banner informing the public of the contact numbers for services at the Motor Traffic Department,a man is seen using his mobile phone to book an appointment. Right: Despite the shortage of staff, work proceeds at the dept. Pix by Akila Jayawardena
Public Administration Ministry Secretary J.J. Ratnasiri said all public institutions have been instructed to follow strict health guidelines and call employees only for required services.
He said public institutions should clear backlogs as efficiently as possible.
“Public sector employees have been given their salaries without fail. In return, they have to work more efficiently even if they at home or at office,” he said.
Postal services
“Though travel restrictions were lifted, the inter-provincial travel ban has resulted in employees struggling to find public transport. Even if we issue them a letter stating ‘essential service’, they struggle to find transport,” Postmaster-General Ranjith Ariyaratne said.
He said due to a shortage of workers and the absence of long-distance mail trains, delays at the Central Mail Exchange could be expected.
“We are using the vans belonging to the Postal Department to transport essential documents such as registered post and international postal express mail,” he said.
Motor Traffic Dept.
Motor Traffic Commissioner Sumith Alahakoon told The Sunday Times that services to the public resumed this week, with branches instructed to roster only employees who reside within the province and for only two days a week each.
All written and practical examinations have been suspended.
“As we are operating with limited staff, the people have to call 0112677877 to be allocated a date and time to go to the Narahenpita head office or the Werahera office. At present, services in these two main offices will be only for those residing in the province,” he said, adding that district offices will continue to serve people living in those districts.
Those inquiring about vehicle registration should call 0707677877 between 9am and 4pm on office days. For driver’s licence inquiries, call 0707677977 during office hours. Any inquiries during non-office hours can be sent as Whatsapp/Viber/SMS messages, Mr. Alahakoon said.
Prior appointment is needed to enter the Passport Office at Battaramulla
National Identity Cards
Registration of Persons Commissioner-General Viyani Gunathilake said services that had been temporarily halted to avoid public gatherings would resume from tomorrow, but appointments had to be made first.
“The one-day service has not been resumed yet,” he said. National Identity Card (NIC) applicants who had not received responses by registered post may visit the department to obtain an NIC after making an appointment at a DRP sub-office at their local divisional secretariat.
Those who have inquiries are requested to call the following numbers: Battaramulla head office, 0115226126-0115226100; Southern Province, 091-2228348; North-Western Province, 0372224337; Northern Province, 0242227201; Eastern Province, 0652229449.
Train services
A limited number of office trains are operating in the Western Province, with most passengers being public sector employees.
“Inter-province travel limitations have drastically reduced the number of train travellers,” Deputy General Manager of Railways Vajira Polwattage said.
Passports
Passports are being issued to a limited number of applicants at the Department of Immigration and Emigration’s Head Office in Battaramulla as well as at the Matara, Vavuniya, Kandy and Kurunegala regional offices.
Only applicants with “essential service” requirements are invited. They may visit their local office only after making an appointment through the department’s website. 
“Applicants without such a reservation will not be allowed to enter office premises,” Controller-General Sarath Rupasiri warned. People living in areas with quarantine travel restrictions may not visit the offices.
Applications for one-day and normal service passports issued by the Battaramulla Head Office can be submitted between 9am and 4pm after making appointments on 0707101060 or 070710070. Passports may be obtained as normal at the Matara, Kandy, Vavuniya and Kurunegala regional offices.
Labour Dept. services
A senior official at the Labour Department said those seeking EFP claims can make applications through the department’s website. Those who wish to make death claims, 30 percent prior benefits and obtain other services can visit the head office and regional offices.