In view of the prevailing war situation in the Middle East region and its impact on the economy, the Government has already taken several immediate measures to mitigate such effects.

In parallel, the need has been identified to manage state expenditure within existing fiscal constraints and approved state expenditure limits, while ensuring the continuity of essential public services.

Accordingly, taking into consideration the restrictions imposed on fuel issuance and the declaration of Wednesdays as  holidays for government offices providing non-essential public services, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the  President, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to continue the
payment of fuel allowances to Ministers, Members of Parliament, and public officers based on the fuel prices
prevailing as at 01-03- 2026, until further notice; and similarly, continue the payment of other allowances linked to fuel prices based on the fuel prices prevailing as at 01-03-2026.

In accordance with the guidance of the Most Venerable Mahanayake Theros and the All Ceylon Shasanarakshaka Mandalaya, it has been identified as appropriate to conduct the State Vesak Festival for the year 2026 (Buddhist Era 2570) at the historic Medillawala Purana Viharaya in Thihagoda, Matara District, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and the Department of Buddhist Affairs.

It has been decided to conduct this year’s State Vesak Festival under the theme “Abhiththaretha Kalyane” (“Let us
hasten towards the common good”). Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the joint resolution furnished by the Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and the. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs to: conduct the National Vesak Festival
centering the Medillawala Purana Viharaya in Thihagoda, Matara District; to declare the period from 27 May to 02 June 2026 as Vesak Week; and organize and implement various Buddhist religious programmes across the island during that period.

Having considered the resolution furnished by the Prime Minister in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to grant concurrence for the issuance of a new circular instructions relating to the admission of students from Grades 2 to 11, excluding Grades 5 and 6, to be implemented with effect from 2026 onwards.