The Cabinet of Ministers has approved an increase in the festival advance granted to government officers from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000, in line with proposals made under Budget 2026.

Under the existing Establishments Code, government employees are eligible to obtain an interest-free festival advance of up to Rs. 10,000 to meet expenses for major religious and cultural observances, including Thai Pongal, Ramadan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Vesak, Deepavali and Christmas, as well as for pilgrimages such as Sri Pada and the Hajj.

The advance is currently recoverable in eight instalments, or earlier if required, without interest.

With the revised proposal, the maximum amount of the festival advance will be raised to Rs. 15,000. Cabinet approval was granted to a proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to amend the relevant provisions. (Newswire)

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