The Ministry of Labour is requesting all private-sector employers to grant leave to their employees based on distance, for them to cast their votes at the 2024 General Election, which will be held tomorrow.

Secretary to the Ministry S. Aloka Bandara says that both the National Election Commission and the Ministry of Labour had previously informed them regarding this matter.

Accordingly, if the polling station is located within 40 kilometers or less from the workplace, a half-day leave should be granted. 

If the distance is between 40 and 100 kilometers, a full day's leave should be granted.

If the distance from the workplace to the polling station is between 100 and 150 kilometers, one and a half days of leave should be approved.

The Secretary to the Ministry also pointed out that if the distance exceeds 150 kilometers, 2 days of leave should be granted.

He further emphasized that these leaves should be granted without affecting the employees' salaries or personal leave entitlement.