COLOMBO (News 1st); A circular issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has instructed the Heads of Institutions that there is NO need for other public officers to report for duty on Friday (20) except those officers who are required to perform essential services.

According to the circular, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said in Parliament yesterday (19) that these steps were taken because of the current fuel shortage and transportation difficulties in the country.

However, the circular says that this decision should NOT interfere with the discretion of the head of the institution regarding the summoning of officers for urgent and essential duties.

• Air Force Commander conferred with “Officer of the CISM Order of Merit”
• Police protection only for essential persons
• National Poson Week commences
• Weekly fuel quota increased
• IMF Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura to arrive in Sri Lanka