President axes ministerial expenses

Friday, 24 January 2025 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

In a bid to curb government spending, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has introduced strict guidelines for ministers and deputy ministers, limiting staff sizes, vehicle usage, and other expenses. The new directives issued by the Secretary to the President by N. S. Kumanayake was shared with the media yesterday.

Under the new regulations, ministers can appoint a maximum of 15 staff members, while deputy ministers are restricted to 12. These appointments must primarily be made from the existing state service, with no room for family members or close relatives.

The guidelines also address advisory roles, permitting ministers to enlist voluntary advisors from academia, research, professional sectors, or civil society, but only in relevant thematic areas. A maximum of two full-time paid advisors may be appointed, subject to cabinet approval.

Tighter controls have also been imposed on the use of official vehicles, fuel, and telecommunications. Ministers and deputy ministers are now limited to two official vehicles. If additional vehicles are required, either state-owned or rented, the respective ministry secretary must ensure adherence to regulations set by the Presidential Secretariat. Fuel allowances have been capped at 900 litres per month.

Telecommunication expenses have also been streamlined, with mobile phone bills limited to Rs. 10,000 per month. All other related expenditures, including office and residential phones, fax, and international direct dialling, must not exceed Rs. 20,000 monthly. Additionally, state funds cannot be used to purchase mobile devices for the personal staff of ministers.

The Presidential Secretariat emphasised that these measures are part of a broader effort to ensure fiscal discipline and reduce unnecessary government expenditure.