A decision has been taken to carry out only the essential services in all government establishments, the Ministry of Public Administration stated.

The circular authorizing the Secretaries to Ministries and Heads of Institutions to determine the minimum number of employees required to maintain the essential public services and to call them to service is to be issued today (10). 

Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration J.J. Ratnasiri told the Hiru news team that the authority is extended to withhold calling pregnant mothers to work in all public institutions in view of the ongoing coronavirus risk.

Therefore, State employees who are pregnant are not to be included in the staff list called in for service

He further stated that these decisions were taken at a discussion held at Temple Trees yesterday (09) under the patronage of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

An earlier series of health guidelines issued by the government stated that even in the private sector, only the minimum number of essential workers should be deployed.

The series of health guidelines further emphasizes the need to take steps to work from home as much as possible in the public and private sectors.

Meanwhile, services will continue in government agencies even though it has restricted the numeri of employees.

We inquired about this from the heads of several government institutions.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation stated that even though less than 50% of the employees are called to work at one time due to the current situation, there is no obstacle to the supply of fuel.

Deputy General Manager, Commerce, Department of Railways, V.S. Polwattage also stated that adequate office trains have been deployed for the use of public servants who are called to report to work.

The relevant circular is set to be issued today (May 10), the Secretary of the Ministry stated.