The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government has instructed the Heads of Institutions that all public officers other than those required to carry out essential services are not required to report for duty today (20). A Secretary to the Ministry, By a circular issued by Mr J.J Ratnasiri.

It states that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stated in Parliament yesterday (19) that these steps were taken considering the current fuel shortage and transportation difficulties in the country.

 However, the circular also states that this decision should not interfere with the discretion of the head of the institution regarding the recruitment of officers for urgent and essential duties.

Meanwhile, the Examinations Department said in a statement that the officers assigned to the GCE Ordinary Level examination duties should report for duty even if they are given leave to schools today.