EC urges public and private sector employers to grant leave for employees to vote in LG polls

Saturday, 3 May 2025 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Rathnayake

The Election Commission yesterday called on heads of government and private sector institutions to facilitate leave for employees to cast their votes, in accordance with the provisions of the Elections Act.

Addressing the media, Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Rathnayake asserted the importance of granting leave not only to public and private sector employees but also to students of universities, tuition classes and workers in garment factories.

He noted that the duration of leave should be determined by the respective head of the institution, taking into account the distance to the polling station. “A minimum of two hours of leave must be granted to ensure voting access,” he said.

The Commission has issued a circular outlining the leave entitlement for private sector employees based on the distance to the polling station:

For distances of 40 kilometres or less: half-day leave
For distances between 40 and 100 kilometres: one-day leave
For distances between 100 and 150 kilometres: one and a half days
For distances over 150 kilometres: two days

Rathnayake pointed out that in some instances, additional days of leave may be necessary depending on the individual’s travel requirements.

The Election Commission also confirmed that all campaigning activities related to the upcoming Local Government election must be ceased after midnight today (3), marking the beginning of the election silence period, which will continue until Election Day.

The Chairman assured that the door-to-door distribution of official polling cards has been completed.

“Voters who have not received their polling cards can obtain them from their respective post offices,” he added.

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