Govt. readies to grant permanent appointments to thousands of public sector casual workers

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has released Circular No. 11/2026. This circular establishes a new system to provide permanent positions to many public sector workers who are now in non-permanent roles. It has been sent to Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and leaders of state corporations and statutory boards. The framework aims to regularize employees who are currently hired on temporary, casual (daily wage), substitute, contract, or relief bases. This initiative seeks to enhance job security and clarify employment conditions throughout the public sector, including staff from ministries, departments, and statutory institutions. Officials will assess eligibility for permanent roles based on criteria such as length of service, performance reviews, and job openings within each institution. Authorities are tasked with identifying eligible workers and submitting the required documents to support the confirmation process. This program also aims to resolve ongoing issues for public sector workers regarding job security and inconsistent employment status. During a recent media briefing after a Cabinet meeting, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa mentioned that this decision could help around 9,800 employees attain permanent positions. The initiative aligns with the 2026 Budget, which proposed a structured method to integrate non-permanent public sector workers into the formal workforce, including those who have not yet had their positions regularized, even after being approved under previous circulars.