The Cabinet of Ministers has approved an increase in the festival advance granted to government officers, raising the maximum amount from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 in line with proposals under Budget 2026.
Under the existing Establishments Code, government employees are eligible for an interest‑free festival advance of up to Rs. 10,000 to meet expenses during major religious and cultural observances such as Thai Pongal, Ramadan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Vesak, Deepavali, and Christmas, as well as pilgrimages including 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 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.
