More than 8,000 non-permanent state employees will be absorbed into permanent positions within the state sector, according to State Minister Janaka Wakkambura. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on Thursday, November 2.

State Minister Wakkambura, who oversees Provincial Councils and Local Government, revealed that measures are being taken to convert the status of 8,400 non-permanent employees currently working in local government agencies under the provincial councils into permanent government service. However, the process is pending Cabinet approval.

These dedicated individuals have faithfully served for approximately 15 years, contributing to the essential functions of local government. With an existing vacancy of 10,000 positions within the provincial councils, over 6,000 of these positions have already been designated as multi-purpose workers. State Minister Wakkambura further shared that active efforts are underway to fill the remaining vacancies with multi-purpose development officers by the 10th of this month.

The move is expected to provide job security and stability to these non-permanent employees and is part of the government's commitment to create more permanent positions within the state sector.