The Commissioner General of Essential Services has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines on the prudent use of fuel and energy to Ministry Secretaries, Provincial and District Secretaries, and heads of government and statutory institutions.
The guidelines, issued yesterday (22), come in response to potential disruptions to fuel imports due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Officials have been advised to avoid using private vehicles for commuting and instead use public or shared transport wherever possible. Institutions have also been instructed to prepare daily transport plans to reduce vehicle usage for official duties.
The directives include several measures to conserve electricity, such as maximizing natural lighting, reducing the use of air conditioning by relying on electric fans, and limiting elevator use by encouraging stairs.
Local authorities have been instructed to switch off streetlights during unnecessary hours and temporarily reduce lighting in non-high-security areas.
The use of televisions in government institutions during daytime has also been discouraged.
In terms of operations, institutions are encouraged to facilitate remote work where possible, while offices are advised to remain closed after working hours and on weekends, except for essential services.
Public officials have been urged to act responsibly and lead by example in supporting national energy conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe has requested the public to minimize electricity usage between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to help manage demand.
