Extraordinary Gazette declares several essential services

• Designates all services connected to electricity, petroleum, health essential 

An Extraordinary Gazette notification has been issued declaring the supply of electricity, related services, petroleum products and fuel along with health services as essential services.

The Gazette bearing the number 2349/44 and dated 17 September was issued by Acting Presidential Secretary Chandanie Wijayawardhana as part of overall efforts to enhance the resilience of the aforementioned sectors, ensuring their uninterrupted operation for the benefit of the public. 

All services connected to the supply of electricity, supply or distribution of petroleum products and fuel, all service, work or labour, of any description whatsoever, necessary or required to be done in connection with the maintenance, and the reception, care feeding, and treatment, of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries, and other similar institutions have been made essential by the Government via the fresh gazette.

The proclamation, detailed in the gazette notification, is by the powers vested in the President under Section 2 of the Essential Public Services Act No. 61 of 1979