The government has decided to declare Friday a holiday for non-essential public sector workers for a period of three months.
Accordingly, Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Dinesh Gunawardena has proposed to close all state institutions except for those providing essential services including water, electricity, health, defense, education, transport, port and air services on Fridays for the next three months.
The decision was reached considering the prevailing shortage of fuel which has disrupted public transport, and has also created difficulties in sourcing fuel for private transportation as well.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Minister has granted approval to the proposal.
Additionally, state employees will receive necessary facilities to engage in agricultural activities in their backyards or elsewhere on Fridays as a solution to the food shortage that is expected to occur in the future.
