State sector employees get Friday holiday for home gardening

Amid the fuel crisis and looming food crisis, the government has decided to declare Friday as a holiday for State employees except for those who are engaged in providing essential services, and to allow them to engage in agricultural activities in their home gardens.

The Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs and Provincial Council Dinesh Gunawardena on Monday sought the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to close all State institutions except for institutions engaged in providing essential services such as water, electricity, health, defence, education, transport, port and air services on Fridays for the next three-month period.

Rationalising the Cabinet decision, the Government Information Department said public sector employees are facing difficulties to commute due to on-going fuel crisis.

The government also expects that four-day work week would enable public sector workers to get involved in farming activities in their backyards. Further, the government plans to provide them with necessary resources to engage in farming.