Colombo offices close Nov 19

Chaminda PERERA

The Government yesterday said that public offices in Colombo 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be closed on November 19 in view of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's swearing in for the second term.

According to a Government Information Department spokesman this decision was taken by the government to avert a possible traffic congestion in the areas adjacent to the Presidential Secretariat where the oath taking ceremony will take place on November 19.

Meanwhile, Labour Relations and Productivity Promotion Minister Gamini Lokuge yesterday requested employers of private sector establishments in Colombo 1, 2, 3 and 4 to grant leave with pay to employees on November 19.