Tough action against public officers using mobile phones during office hours

• Public officers were on Facebook, WhatsApp as the first thing in the day 

By Ajith Siriwardana   

Public Administration Ministry Secretary Neel Bandara Hapuhinna said yesterday he would act tough on the use of mobile phones by public servants during office hours. 

 
He told an event to commence work for the New Year that he had seen in some places public officers 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 officers have to place their mobile phones in a locker at the entrance and take them back as they leave after work.   

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