In a bid to maximize the use of government funds and ensure that resources are utilized efficiently, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake has issued a directive on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, requiring officials purchasing airline for official travel abroad to be on Economy Class.This directive will take effect from March 1, 2023, and supersedes all previous circulars and instructions related to this subject.According to the new directive, officials such as the Hon.
Chief Justice, Hon. Justices of the Supreme Court, Chairman of the Court of Appeal, and Hon. Justices of the Court of Appeal are exempt from booking Economy Class tickets.
However, if an officer needs to travel Business Class, they may do so at their own expense, paying the difference between an Economy and Business Class ticket.
The directive also states that exceptions to this rule require prior approval, based on sufficient justification.The President’s directive aims to ensure that government funds are used only for essential purposes and that resources are utilized efficiently.