The Ministries of Digital Economy and Public Administration have jointly introduced interim guidelines for heads of government institutions on the optimal use of digital technologies in delivering public services remotely.
According to the Ministry of Digital Economy, the move follows a Cabinet Committee directive aimed at ensuring the systematic maintenance of public services amid ongoing energy challenges.
The Cabinet Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, instructed the Ministry of Digital Economy to explore remote work options in consultation with the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.
The decision comes against the backdrop of unrest in the Middle East since February 28, 2026, and global economic trends that have strained Sri Lanka’s fuel supply and energy management.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Digital Economy has compiled guidelines in all three languages, available at https://mode.gov.lk/docs/guidelines. The document outlines approved methods for conducting administrative and service delivery activities from home or office using digital technology.
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 via official government email are recognized as authentic.
The government’s official video conferencing platform, https://meet.gov.lk, introduced during the Covid‑19 pandemic, has been recommended as the primary tool for official communication, with commercial platforms permitted as alternatives for limited periods.
Heads of Departments have been encouraged to strengthen the digital skills of officers and staff, while ensuring strict protection of official information. The initiative aligns with the Digital Economy Blueprint, a priority development program of the current government.
The Ministry of Public Administration has also issued Circular No. 02/2026 dated April 23, instructing Secretaries of Ministries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, and all Heads of Departments to inform public officials of the guidelines and ensure implementation.
Institutions, including the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Public Administration, and the Ministry of Digital Economy, are coordinating efforts to embed these practices across the public, the ministry added in a statement. (Newswire)