Emergency measures discussed to maintain health, agriculture and education services in Sri Lanka

A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and ministry secretaries, along with several heads of institutions, was held today (15) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding issues that have arisen in maintaining essential services properly in light of the emerging war situation in the Middle East.

Special attention was given to sectors such as health, education, industry, agriculture, and fisheries. During the meeting, the respective ministry secretaries briefed the President on updated fuel requirements and other needs within each of these sectors.

After considering the matters raised, the President stated that the possibility of maintaining essential fuel reserves at regional level, particularly for sectors such as health, should be further explored. He also instructed the secretaries to further examine the feasibility of carrying out official duties from home (remote working) and to submit reports on the matter, the President’s Media Division stated.

As it is difficult to make accurate predictions regarding possible future developments, the President emphasised the need for advance preparedness to face any potential situation that may arise. He also highlighted the importance of further streamlining the digital QR code system that has already been introduced for this purpose, the PMD noted.

The President further instructed officials to promptly rectify and update the shortcomings, identified in the currently implemented digital QR code system. He stressed that authorities must remain under constant monitoring and maintain close attention to emerging developments. Rather than making isolated decisions for individual sectors, he emphasised the need to consider the situation as a whole, identify alternative mechanisms relevant to the prevailing challenges, and implement them accordingly. He also advised officials to act swiftly with mutual understanding and coordination in addressing the situation, the PMD added.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Presidential Adviser on the Digital Economy Hans Wijayasuriya; Presidential Chief of Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi; Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Tilaka Jayasundara; Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Aloka Bandara; Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Anil Jasinghe; Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Varuna Dhanapala; Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Kolitha Kamal, along with several other heads of institutions.