The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has issued a circular aimed at managing state expenditure within existing fiscal limits and approved government spending ceilings.
The measure is intended to ensure the continuation of essential public services while reducing the economic impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The circular, issued by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, has been directed to Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, heads of special expenditure units and commissions, department heads, District Secretaries, and chairpersons of state corporations and statutory boards.
According to the circular, in light of fuel restrictions and the declaration of Wednesday as a government holiday, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to standardise fuel allowances.
Fuel allowances for Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, public officials, and other categories will be calculated based on fuel prices as of March 1, until further notice.
The circular further states that any other allowances linked to fuel quantity or price, instead of direct fuel allowances, must also be calculated using the fuel prices that prevailed on March 1.
