Sri Lanka, Dec. 29 -- Due to severe adverse weather, the special gazette issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, declaring key services necessary for maintaining normal public life as "essential services," has been further extended.

This declaration is made under the powers granted to the President under Section 2 of the Essential Public Services Act No. 61 of 1979, taking into account that the ongoing emergency may disrupt or obstruct access to critical services.

The essential services include:

Electricity supply and fuel distribution, including petroleum and gas

Hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, including patient care and ambulance services

Public transport services for passengers and goods, as well as maintenance of por...