The Presidential Secretariat has instructed all Ministers and State Ministers to refrain from official or private foreign visits from November 12 to December 10.
Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundara has issued a circular No. PS/CSA/Circular/9/2021 urging all public officials who are directly involved in the preparation of the budget and all Secretaries of Ministries and State Ministries to refrain from traveling abroad during this period.
The President has pointed out that the direct contribution of all Ministers, State Ministers, Secretaries to Ministries, Heads of Departments and relevant officials should be given to the Ministry of Finance as special proposals for the budget are being identified.
As the 2022 Budget is currently being prepared, the Ministry of Finance is conducting technical assessments with the relevant Ministries, State Ministries, Government Institutions, the Private Sector, Diplomatic Services and International Development Fund Institutions.
According to the budget schedule approved by the Cabinet, the Minister of Finance is scheduled to present the Budget Speech to Parliament on November 12, 2021, followed by the Second Reading Debate as well as the Committee Debate on December 10.
The Presidential Secretary also said that embassies could be represented by the Ministry of External Affairs for special occasions.
Therefore, the Presidential Secretary has instructed the relevant Ministers and officials to refrain from participating in foreign tours other than essential activities during this period.
