New guidelines issued for ministerial support

• Ministers to receive 15 support staff, Deputy Ministers 12
• 900 litres of fuel monthly for official vehicles  

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  
The President’s Secretariat has issued a series of instructions to all Ministry secretaries outlining the facilities and services to be provided to Ministers.  
In a written communication, Secretary to the President Dr. N.S. Kumanayake instructed Ministry secretaries on how to facilitate the functions of Ministers and strengthen the policy formulation process.  
As part of the new guidelines, the government has set a cap on the number of support staff for Ministers and Deputy Ministers.   
Ministers are permitted a maximum of 15 support staff, while Deputy Ministers are limited to 12 staff members.  

The support staff is expected to assist Ministers and Deputy Ministers in performing their duties efficiently and coordinating with all relevant parties.   
Instructions on appointing advisors to Ministries and the appointment of support staff have also been provided.  
In addition, the Presidential Secretariat has outlined provisions regarding official vehicles, fuel allocations and telephone expenses for Ministers and Deputy Ministers.   
A maximum of two official vehicles will be allocated for their use, with the Ministry Secretary responsible for managing any vehicles obtained through rental or other means.   
Ministers and Deputy Ministers will be allocated up to 900 litres of fuel per month for their official vehicles.  
Under the new guidelines, the government vehicles will be available for use by the Private Secretary, Coordinating Secretary, Press Secretary, and Public Relations Officer of both Ministers and Deputy Ministers.  
The positions of Private Secretary, Coordinating Secretary, Press Secretary, and Public Relations Officer shall be filled on a temporary basis, for the duration of the Minister’s or Deputy Minister’s tenure only.