Guidelines to be introduced for public officials carrying out duties online

The third meeting of the Cabinet-appointed committee tasked with ensuring the continuous functioning of the public service was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, via virtual platform. 

During the meeting held yesterday (01), attention was drawn to the progress in implementing decisions taken at the previous meeting to maintain uninterrupted public services while managing fuel and energy in the face of challenges arising from the conflict situation in the Middle East, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD). 

Particular focus was also placed on the implementation and progress of guidelines issued by the Office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services at the ministerial level. 

It was revealed that the Ministry of Health and Mass Media had achieved a 42% saving in diesel consumption by 31 March, while programmes on electricity and water management are currently being implemented successfully. 

It was further noted that awareness programmes on energy management at school level are scheduled to be conducted on 7 and 9 April, and that universities are operating online where feasible. 

The Ministry of Public Administration informed that examinations, including the Grama Niladhari entrance examination, were conducted as planned, the statement said. 

It was also stated that several ministries, including Transport, Digital Economy and Justice, are continuing services by deploying essential staff and utilising online systems. Attention was also drawn to monitoring fuel and energy management in public institutions. 

It was decided that measures taken by these institutions, along with the amount of energy saved, would be reported at the next committee meeting. 

Meanwhile, discussions were held on implementing a rapid public awareness programme on preventing water wastage and promoting the use of alternative water sources, to be jointly carried out by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme. 

The Ministry of Digital Economy has prepared a set of guidelines for carrying out official duties through online systems. It was discussed to implement these with the concurrence of the Ministry of Public Administration and to issue the necessary circular instructions by April 20, 2026.

It was also decided to assess the feasibility of working online on 16 and 17 April and to raise awareness among independent commissions on operating through online methods. 

Attention was further drawn to monitoring and decision-making through a dashboard displaying daily energy consumption, available reserves and public service attendance. 

The committee is scheduled to meet again on 8 April 2026, the statement said. 

--PMD--