Cabinet approval has been granted to declare Fridays as holidays for state sector employees from this week.
Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that this will not include the health, power and energy, education, and defence sectors.
He further said this also will not include other essential services.
The government said it has decided to grant government officials leave for one (01) working day of the week for the next 3 months.
The measure has been taken to encourage public officials to engage in agriculture and cultivation during their leave.
The current shortage of fuel has disrupted passenger transport, making it difficult for public sector workers to access their own transportation.
Due to this situation, it seems appropriate to grant government officials leave for one working day of the week and provide them with the necessary facilities to engage in agricultural activities in their backyards or elsewhere.
This move is being taken as a solution to the food shortage that is expected to occur in the future, the government said.
The proposal in this regard has been presented by the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, and Provincial Council.
Thereby, the Cabinet has granted approval to close all government institutions except agencies providing essential services such as water, electricity, health, defense, education, transport, port, and air services on Fridays for the next 3 months. (NewsWire)