• Awareness progs. on energy mgt. preventing water wastage, use of alternative water sources 
• Guidelines for official duties via online systems 
• Feasibility of working online on 16-17 April 

The third meeting of the Cabinet-appointed committee tasked with ensuring the continuous functioning of the public service was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, via a virtual platform. During the meeting held on Wednesday (1), attention was drawn to the progress in implementing decisions taken at the previous meeting to maintain uninterrupted public services while managing fuel and energy in the face of challenges arising from the conflict situation in the Middle East. 

Particular focus was also placed on the implementation and progress of guidelines issued by the Office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services at the Ministerial level. It was revealed that the Health and Mass Media Ministry had achieved a 42 per cent saving in diesel consumption by Tuesday (31), while programmes on electricity and water management are currently being implemented successfully. 

It was further noted that awareness programmes on energy management at the school level are scheduled to be conducted on 7 and 9 April, and that universities are operating online where feasible. 

The Public Administration Ministry informed that examinations, including the Grama Niladhari entrance examination, were conducted as planned. 

It was also stated that several Ministries, including Transport, Digital Economy and Justice, are continuing services by deploying essential staff and utilising online systems. 

Attention was also drawn to monitoring fuel and energy management in public institutions. It was decided that measures taken by these institutions, along with the amount of energy saved, would be reported at the next committee meeting. 

Discussions were held on implementing a rapid public awareness programme on preventing water wastage and promoting the use of alternative water sources, to be jointly carried out by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme. 

The Digital Economy Ministry has prepared a set of guidelines for carrying out official duties through online systems. It was discussed to implement these with the concurrence of the Public Administration Ministry and to issue the necessary circular instructions by 20 April.

It was also decided to assess the feasibility of working online on 16 and 17 April and to raise awareness among independent commissions on operating through online methods. 

Attention was further drawn to monitoring and decision-making through a dashboard displaying daily energy consumption, available reserves and public service attendance. 

The committee is scheduled to meet again on 8 April.