Sri Lanka, Jan. 13 -- The Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Establishments Code to raise the festive advance provided to government officers from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000. Circular instructions on the revised provisions will be issued shortly.

Under the current Establishments Code, officers are entitled to a Rs. 10,000 advance for major festive occasions including Thai Pongal, Ramadan, Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak, Deepavali, Christmas, and for pilgrimages such as the Sri Pada and Hajj pilgrimages.

The advance is usually recovered in eight monthly installments without interest, although early repayment is also permitted. The increase to Rs. 15,000 was proposed in the 2026 budget and will take effect following the issuance of...