Tough action against public officers’ using mobile phones during office hours

Public Administration Ministry Secretary Neel Bandara Hapuhinna  said today he would act tough on the use of mobile phones by state officers during office hours.

He told an event to commence work for the New Year that he had seen in some places public offices were navigating through Facebook, WhatsApp as the first thing in the day while looking at the people who had come to obtain services.

He said he was wondering whether to issue a circular on the use of mobile phones during office hours.

He said employees in some private offices had to place their mobile phones in a locker on entrance and take them back as they leave after work.

He said he would not hesitate to take such decisions if the need arises.