Circular issued to manage govt expenditure amid energy crisis

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has issued a circular aimed at managing state expenditure within existing fiscal limits and approved government spending ceilings. 

This measure is intended to ensure the continuity of essential public services while mitigating the economic impact caused by the prevailing conflict in the Middle East.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, issued this circular to all Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, Heads of Special Expenditure Units and Commissions, Heads of Departments, District Secretaries, and Chairmen of State Corporations and Statutory Boards.

The circular states that, considering the limitations on fuel issuance and the declaration of Wednesday as a government holiday, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to standardize fuel allowances. 

Accordingly, the fuel allowances entitled to Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, public officials, and other categories will be calculated based on fuel prices as of March 1, until further notice.

Furthermore, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance highlighted in the circular that any other allowances paid based on fuel quantity and price, instead of a direct fuel allowance, must also be calculated according to the fuel prices prevailing on March 1.