The Ministry of Digital Economy Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Public Administration Provincial Councils and Local Government Sri Lanka have jointly introduced interim guidelines to enable the effective use of digital technology in delivering public services remotely.
According to the Ministry of Digital Economy, the guidelines were issued following a directive from a Cabinet Committee chaired by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, aimed at ensuring the continuity of public services amid ongoing energy challenges.
The move comes in the context of global disruptions linked to unrest in the Middle East since February 28, 2026, which have impacted fuel supply and energy management in Sri Lanka.
The guidelines, now available in all three languages, outline approved methods for conducting administrative and service delivery functions remotely—either from home or office—using digital tools.
Authorities emphasised that under the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006, government documents can be legally created, approved, and circulated electronically. This includes the use of scanned signatures, digital signatures, and approvals sent via official government email systems.
The government has recommended the use of the official video conferencing platform meet.gov.lk as the primary communication tool, while allowing limited use of other commercial platforms when necessary.
Department heads have been instructed to enhance the digital skills of public sector employees and ensure strict data security standards while implementing these measures.
The Ministry of Public Administration Provincial Councils and Local Government Sri Lanka has also directed all ministry secretaries, provincial chief secretaries, and department heads—through Circular No. 02/2026 dated April 23, 2026—to inform public officials and implement the new guidelines.
