The President has ordered all ministers and state ministers to refrain from official or private foreign visits from November 12 to December 10.
According to Circular No. PS/CSA/Circular/9/2021, secretary to the President Mr. P. B. Jayasundera has ordered all Ministries and Secretaries of State Ministries to refrain from traveling abroad and all government officials to contribute directly to the preparation of the budget during this period.
The President has pointed out that the direct contribution of all Ministers, Ministers of State, Secretaries to Ministries, Heads of Departments and relevant officials should be given to the Ministry of Finance for the budget.
As the work related to the 2022 Budget is being carried out, the Ministry of Finance is conducting technical evaluations with the relevant Ministries, Public Ministries, Government Institutions, 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 12 November 2021, followed by the Second Reading Debate as well as to the Committee Debate on 10 December.
The Secretary to the President also informed that the Ministry of External Affairs can provide relevant representation to embassies for special occasions if necessary.
