All government offices will remain open as usual on April 15, 16, and 17, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government announced on Saturday.
The Ministry noted that there had been an earlier plan to allow public sector employees to work online during these dates as a fuel conservation measure. However, the decision was revised to ensure the efficient delivery of public services and better meet the needs of citizens during the holiday period.
Distinct from private sector WFH
This reversal applies specifically to government offices and public sector employees. It is separate from the April 16-17 work-from-home directive for the private sector, which was approved by Cabinet as a fuel conservation measure during the energy crisis.
The government had previously cancelled the Wednesday special holiday for schools and public offices, which had been introduced to reduce fuel consumption. Saturday’s announcement continues the pattern of rolling back emergency fuel-saving measures as supply conditions improve.
Citizens requiring government services during the Avurudu week — including those collecting Aswasuma welfare payments or processing registration documents — will be able to access offices without disruption.
