Election Commission announces plan for leave for voting

The Election Commission has announced the plan for  leave for both public and private sector employees for the upcoming presidential election on September 21, 2024, without loss of salary or personal leave.

For public sector employees, Article 12.3 of Chapter XII of the Institutions Code specifies that a minimum of four hours of leave must be provided for presidential elections, with special leave granted for a continuous period necessary to reach the polling station.

In the private sector, where there is no existing legal framework for such leave, the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission has addressed concerns over employers not granting voting leave.

Following discussions with the Ministry of Relations, the Department of Labour, and the Election Commission, the Commission has recommended that private sector employers grant leave based on the distance employees must travel to vote.

The suggested minimum leave is as follows:

1. 40 km or less: Half a day
2. Between 40 km and 100 km: One day
3. Between 100 km and 150 km: One and a half days
4. More than 150 km: Two days

This recommendation accounts for the fact that some voters may need up to three days off to travel to and from their polling stations.

Employees are therefore required to apply for leave in writing. Employers must maintain and display a record of the employees who have applied for and been granted special leave.

Thus, employers are strongly encouraged to adhere to these provisions to ensure employees have sufficient time to vote in the presidential election.