The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has issued Circular 34/2025, outlining the procedures for the commencement of work in the year 2026.
Focus on Recovery and Rebuilding
The circular acknowledges the severe challenges posed by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’, which struck Sri Lanka in late 2025. It commends public officers for their proactive service during the disaster and emphasizes that the primary goal for 2026 is restoring normalcy to civilian life and rebuilding the country. The Ministry notes that managing financial and human resources effectively is critical to overcoming these challenges.
Official Ceremony on January 1st
Heads of all Departments, State Corporations, and Statutory Boards have been instructed to hold an official ceremony on Thursday, January 1, 2026, to mark the first working day of the year. The circular details a mandatory four-step programme to be conducted at all national, provincial, district, and divisional institutions:
- Hoisting the National Flag and singing the National Anthem.
- Observing two minutes of silence to commemorate members of the Tri-Forces and others who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
- Reading the Oath of Public Servants in a language convenient to the staff.
- Delivering a short speech on government policies and the role of public servants in overcoming current challenges.
The Public Service Oath
The text of the oath for 2026 centers on the vision of “a thriving country and beautiful life”. It calls upon public employees to work with “firm determination” and “utmost dedication” to transform national aspirations into reality, emphasizing resilience in the face of the recent disaster.
