An Extraordinary Gazette Notification has been issued declaring services related to electricity, petroleum products and fuel, and medical services as essential services.

The gazette was issued by the Secretary to the President by order of the President.

Accordingly as per the gazette, under Section 2 of the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979, the head of state declared that:

1. all services connected to the supply of electricity, 2. the supply or distribution of petroleum products and fuel3. All service, work or labour, of any description whatsoever, necessary or required to be done in connection with the maintenance, and the reception, care feeding, and treatment, of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries, and other similar institution are essential services.

According to the gazette, the provision of the services specified is essential to the life of the community.