The Ministry of Defence has issued a new circular (04/2026) authorizing special daily allowances for government officers deployed for duties during “Extended Disaster Situations.” The directive, signed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), is effective retroactively from November 21, 2025.
The circular outlines a structured payment system based on salary categories to compensate officials for the high-risk and additional work performed during natural disasters and recovery efforts.
Allowance Breakdown by Salary Category
The daily rates for eligible officers are categorized as follows:
| Salary Category | Daily Allowance (LKR) |
| SL 3 / HM 2-1 / HM 2-3 and above | Rs. 2,500 |
| SL-1 / HM 1-1 / HM 1-3 / AR 2 / MM / AR 1 | Rs. 2,000 |
| MN-7 / GN -2 / JM | Rs. 1,600 |
| MN 1 to MN 6 / MA / MT 1 / MT 2 / GN 1 | Rs. 1,400 |
| PL (Primary Level) | Rs. 800 |
Key Regulations and Conditions
The Ministry has set specific criteria to ensure the allowances are managed effectively and reach those on the front lines:
- Eligibility Period: The allowance is specifically for the period starting November 21, 2025, through December 15, 2025, or as declared by the Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management.
- Time Requirements: To qualify, officers must perform disaster-related duties for at least 4 hours beyond their normal working hours.
- Monthly Caps: Payments are restricted to a maximum of 10 days per month.
- Special Provisions for Grama Niladhari: Administrative Grama Niladhari officers in affected areas are eligible for an additional allowance of Rs. 1,500, while regular Grama Niladhari officers can receive Rs. 1,000 per day for duties performed on weekends or public holidays.
- Overtime: Officers entitled to overtime can claim payments for additional hours worked (up to 240 hours per month) in addition to this special allowance.
Verification and Accountability
The circular emphasizes that the District and Divisional Secretaries hold the authority to approve these payments. Officers involved in property damage assessment committees, who already receive a separate allowance of Rs. 100, are prohibited from counting that specific time toward this disaster allowance to prevent “double-dipping.”
The Ministry stressed that payments should only be made if the supervising head of the institution is satisfied that the officers were effectively engaged in relief, rehabilitation, or reconstruction activities during the specified period.
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