Sri Lanka, Dec. 15 -- A circular has been issued authorizing a special non-refundable advance payment of up to Rs. 4,000 for public sector employees in view of the festive season.

The directive, issued by S. Aloka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, has been sent to all Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, and Heads of Departments.

The payment, traditionally granted to government officials during the festive period, will be disbursed from January 1 and must be completed by February 28 of the same year. According to the circular, the advance will be recovered in ten equal monthly installments and is subject to an annual interest rate of 8%.

Published by HT...