State Sector Told to Slash Fuel and Power Use by 25%

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan government has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines to all state institutions aimed at reducing fuel and energy consumption, as part of efforts to manage existing fuel reserves more efficiently.

Essential Services Commissioner General Prabath Chandrakeerthi said that the responsible and economical use of available fuel stocks is a shared responsibility of both public and private sector institutions under the current conditions.

The guidelines outline measures for office staff transportation and fuel management, urging employees to use public transport or group transportation whenever possible when reporting for duty.

Meetings and discussions are to be conducted through online platforms as far as possible, while all documentation and information exchange should be carried out electronically to minimise the physical transport of documents.

State institutions are also required to implement specific plans to reduce fuel consumption in vehicles owned by the public sector.

A strong focus has also been placed on electricity and energy conservation. Institutions have been instructed to maximise the use of natural light, use electric fans instead of air conditioners whenever possible, and open windows during morning hours to allow natural ventilation.

Air conditioners should be switched off for at least one to two hours during office hours, and units in areas where cooling is not essential should remain completely switched off.

The temperature of air-conditioning units must be maintained at 26 degrees Celsius or higher.

The guidelines further require unnecessary lighting to be switched off during the day, while at night electricity should be used only in essential locations and on key roads.

Institutions have also been directed to minimise the use of elevators and promote the use of stairways. Illuminated advertising and promotional display boards must be switched off after 9.00 p.m.

Operational procedures have also been revised, with institutions encouraged to provide services through online platforms without requiring staff to report physically to offices, where technical facilities allow.

Offices must also remain closed after official working hours and on weekends, except in essential situations.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the government’s target is to reduce energy consumption by at least 25 percent.

He said guidelines have been issued primarily to government offices to ensure the economical use of fuel and energy, while the public is also being urged to voluntarily support these measures.

Minister Jayatissa noted that broad cooperation from the government sector, private sector and the general public is vital to sustaining the economy during this period.

He added that further measures may be introduced depending on how conditions evolve, but said the current situation can be managed if the issued guidelines are properly followed.