Lanka Sathosa and several other services declared essential

COLOMBO (News 1st): An Extraordinary Gazette notification was issued on Wednesday night (Jun 02) declaring Lanka Sathosa Limited, Co-operative Wholesale Establishment, all services and offices under the purview of Provincial Councils & all healthcare services as Essential Services. The gazette was issued in accordance with the powers vested in the President, under the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979, in order to continue the conduct of ordinary public life without any hindrance. As per the Extraordinary Gazette, all services in connection with the supply, storage, distribution, and regulatory activities of food, beverages including all other essential consumable items to the public, which are performed by Lanka Sathosa Limited, Co-Operative Wholesale Establishment, Food Commissioner Department, Department of Cooperative Development and Cooperative Societies, WILL become essential services. Moreover, all services to be performed or required in connection with health services and all services performed by or required by all government offices under the Provincial Councils WERE declared as essential services under the Extraordinary Gazette. Meanwhile, Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana said all SATHOSA outlets across the country will remain open from today (Jun 03).