By The Pulseline News Desk
In a move aimed at strengthening public service delivery, the country’s Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries have announced that they will no longer attend official meetings held on Mondays, the day designated as “Public Day” across government offices.
The decision, which takes effect from today (8), comes amid growing concerns that frequent meetings organised by ministries, state institutions, and political authorities are disrupting the ability of local administrative officials to serve the public effectively.
For years, Mondays have been set aside for members of the public to meet directly with Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries to seek solutions to a wide range of issues, including land disputes, welfare assistance, documentation problems, and administrative grievances. However, officials say that the increasing number of physical and virtual meetings scheduled on these days has significantly reduced the time available to address citizens’ concerns.
According to Public Administration Circular No. 27/2023, Public Day was established specifically to ensure that senior administrative officers remain available to meet the public. The circular further stipulates that official meetings should not be scheduled during this period.
Despite these directives, officials report that meetings have continued to be convened by various government entities, often requiring their attendance at the expense of public-facing duties. As a result, citizens who travel to Divisional Secretariat offices expecting to meet decision-makers frequently face delays or are unable to access the officials they need.
The Association of Sri Lankan Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries says its latest decision is intended to restore the original purpose of Public Day and improve accessibility for citizens seeking government services.
Association President R. Senthil has emphasised that the move is not a form of trade union action but rather an effort to ensure compliance with existing administrative regulations and to prioritise public service. By remaining in their offices on Mondays, officials hope to provide uninterrupted access to government services and improve the responsiveness of local administration.
The decision highlights a broader challenge within the public sector: balancing administrative coordination with direct service delivery. While meetings remain essential for policy implementation and inter-agency collaboration, officials argue that these functions should not interfere with the designated time reserved for addressing public needs.
For many citizens, especially those travelling from rural areas, a visit to the Divisional Secretariat can involve significant time and expense. Ensuring that key officials are available on Public Day could help reduce frustration and improve confidence in local government institutions.
As the new policy comes into effect, attention will now turn to whether ministries and state agencies adjust their scheduling practices to accommodate the decision. If successful, the initiative could reinforce the importance of citizen-centered governance and reaffirm the role of Public Day as a vital link between government administration and the people it serves.
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