The office of Sri Lankan President has issued new guidelines to ministers, capping the size of their staff, vehicle use and other expenses to reduce government spending.
The instructions issued on Jan. 21 were released to the media on Thursday.
According to the secretary to the president, ministers are permitted a maximum of 15 support staff, while deputy ministers are allowed 12.
Most of the staff members must be recruited from existing state service and none can include family members or close relatives, as per the instructions.
The Presidential Secretariat also outlined regulations regarding the use of official vehicles, fuel allocations and telephone expenses.
Ministers and deputy ministers are limited to two official vehicles.
If they use state-owned vehicles or rent vehicles from private entities, the ministry secretary must ensure that procurements adhere to the regulations set by the Presidential Secretariat.
These measures came into effect on Jan. 6, 2025.
The president emphasised that the new rules aim to cut government expenses.
