By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Ministry of Public Service, Provincial Councils and Local Government yesterday issued a circular limiting the use of electricity and fuel at public institutions.

The decision has been taken considering the severe foreign exchange crisis that had affected the import of fuel.

According to the circular issued by the Minister of Public Service, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, state institutions must switch off air conditioners after 2.30 pm. When operational the air conditioning units must keep the temperature at 26 centigrade and a relative humidity between 55% – 60% should be maintained, the circular says.

The institutions are also encouraged to open the windows in buildings in the morning. The circular also advises to minimise the use of elevators. Government servants are encouraged to use the stairways as much as possible. The circular encourages the setting up of solar power units on buildings.

The public institutions have also been asked to “save at least one litre of fuel from each vehicle.”

“The number of vehicles at public institutions is more than 75,000. If a litre of fuel from each vehicle is saved each day, a total of 75,000 litres of fuel can be saved. Around 27 million litres of fuel can be saved annually through this,” the circular says.

State institutions have also been advised to record the funds saved on electricity bills, fuel bills, water bills and telephone bills.