Guidelines released to enhance digital technology use in government institutions

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Public Administration has introduced a new set of guidelines aimed at helping government institutions make better use of digital technologies in delivering public services remotely and improving overall efficiency.

The initiative comes amid ongoing challenges in the Middle East region, which have affected fuel supplies to Sri Lanka, along with a broader national push for effective energy management. In response, the government initially implemented measures to reduce in-office operations to help ease pressure on fuel reserves.

Following this, the Cabinet Committee on maintaining public services—chaired by Harini Amarasuriya directed the Ministry of Digital Economy to assess the feasibility of expanding remote work arrangements across the public sector. The effort was carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government.

As a result, the Ministry has now issued interim guidelines to all heads of public institutions, providing recommendations on the effective use of digital tools for remote service delivery as well as routine administrative functions. The guidelines are intended to ensure continuity of public services while improving digital readiness across government bodies.

The document, prepared in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, outlines practical steps for integrating digital systems into day-to-day operations and can be accessed through the ministry’s official website.

Officials say the move reflects a broader effort to modernise public service delivery and strengthen resilience through digital transformation.