Sri Lanka, Aug. 20 -- The Ministry of Health states that due to a high volume of staff members taking leave of absence, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain the continuous operation of essential services within the ministry, given the critical nature of its duties.

As a result, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media has decided to temporarily suspend the approval of leave of absence including to travel overseas for its staff until further notice.

This decision was formally announced through a circular issued by the Secretary to the Ministry Dr. Anil Jasinghe.

The same circular also notes that recruitment for all vacant positions within the Ministry of Health and Mass Media will be restricted until further notice.

However, ra...