Public Day changed to Monday

After a lapse of 60 years, the Cabinet has approved changing the Public Day, which was earlier on Wednesday, to Monday, an official said yesterday. 

Cabinet Co-Spokesman Udaya Gammanpila said the decision was made taking into consideration the fact that Monday was the only day of the week when Parliament was not held, which would enable ministers and public officials to pay attention to public concerns without House matters distracting them. 

“Usually on Wednesdays there is low Parliamentary attendance because most Parliamentarians are engaged in their respective public days. Some rush to Parliament and are preoccupied by matters that have been brought before them. This is not an ideal mind set for lawmakers to have in a place as important as the Parliament. Therefore it was decided that Monday would be a more convenient day for this task,” he said. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers decided that Monday would be declared as Public Day from next week and that all officials of all public institutions should be compulsorily available in their offices for performing the requirements of the public during that day. 

A circular to this effect is to be issued by President’s Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera shortly.