- Govt Officers' TU Association calls for hybrid work or more fuel
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directed officials to study the possibility of work-from-home option for certain categories of public servants in view of the Middle East tension-related issues, as the Sri Lanka Government Officers' Trade Union Association (SLGOTUA) suggested the Government should either increase the fuel quota allocated to them or introduce a hybrid work system.
President Dissanayake issued these instructions during a discussion with Ministry Secretaries and heads of State institutions yesterday (15) on ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of essential services should the evolving global situation affect Sri Lanka.
Particular attention was paid to several key sectors including health, education, industry, agriculture and fisheries. Secretaries of the respective ministries briefed the President on the updated fuel requirements in their sectors.
After reviewing the situation, President Dissanayake said that it was needed to further examine the possibility of maintaining essential fuel reserves, particularly for the health sector.
The President stressed the Government must prepare in advance for potential developments, noting that it remains difficult to predict how the global situation may unfold.
He further directed officials to streamline and formalise the digital QR code system introduced for fuel distribution, and take immediate steps to rectify and update its existing shortcomings.
President Dissanayake also instructed authorities to closely monitor emerging developments and remain alert to any new situations that may arise. He said that responses should not be formulated separately for individual sectors, but instead developed through a coordinated national approach that addresses the current challenge in its entirety. Officials were also urged to intervene promptly and act with mutual understanding when responding to emerging issues.
Meanwhile, SLGOTUA President Sumith Kodikara, when contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday, said the current fuel allocation for public officers could create practical difficulties. “Most of us use motorcycles and five litres of fuel is not enough for motorcycles. There is an issue there. Many public officers, including Grama Niladharis, are required to travel long distances as part of their duties."
He added that there is a system for them to work from office a few days and then work from home the rest of the days, they would be able to manage. "If such a hybrid arrangement is not possible, the Government should consider increasing the fuel quota allocated to public officers. This should be dealt with in a way that does not inconvenience the Government, the people, and us,” he said.
Attempts to contact Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Minister Prof. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Deputy subject Minister Prabha Ruwan Senarath, and Ministry Secretary S. Aloka Bandara proved futile.