The Ministries of Ministry of Digital Economy and Ministry of Public Administration have jointly introduced interim guidelines for heads of government institutions on the effective use of digital technologies to deliver public services remotely.
According to the Ministry of Digital Economy, the move follows a directive from a Cabinet Committee aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted and systematic maintenance of public services amid ongoing energy-related challenges.
The Cabinet Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, instructed the Ministry of Digital Economy to explore remote work arrangements in consultation with the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.
The decision comes amid unrest in the Middle East since February 28, 2026, and global economic pressures that have affected Sri Lanka’s fuel supply and energy management.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Digital Economy has prepared guidelines in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, outlining approved methods for conducting administrative and service delivery functions from home or office through digital platforms.
The guidelines state that under the Electronic Transactions Act No. 19 of 2006, government documents created, approved, and circulated electronically are legally valid. Scanned signatures, digital signatures, and approvals through official government email are also recognised as authentic.
The government’s official video conferencing platform, meet.gov.lk, first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been recommended as the primary tool for official communication, while commercial platforms may be used as alternatives for limited periods.
Heads of departments have also been encouraged to improve the digital skills of officers and staff while ensuring strict protection of official information. The initiative is aligned with the government’s Digital Economy Blueprint.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Administration has issued Circular No. 02/2026 dated April 23, directing ministry secretaries, provincial chief secretaries, and heads of departments to inform public officials of the new guidelines and ensure their implementation.
The ministry added that institutions including the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Public Administration, and the Ministry of Digital Economy are coordinating efforts to integrate these practices across the public sector.
