News
No paper for bills, question papers; focus on digital systems
A growing paper shortage is forcing the Ministry of Public Services to turn to digital platforms – including social media – for inter-departmental communications, and the Western Province Ministry of Education to postpone term examinations in schools in order to overcome a shortage in printing material.
Public Services, Provincial Councils and Local government Ministry Secretary J.J. Ratnasiri told the Sunday Times the Ministry would make use of emails, WhatsApp and other social media to communicate with departments and institutions.
He said that in addition they would also make use of other technology through Zoom meetings and Short Message Service (SMS) to maintain communication with ministries, departments and provincial councils.
A large amount of government circulars and letters are dispatched from ministries and departments on a daily basis.
Government Printer Gangani Liyanage told the Sunday Times that in view of the fluctuation of the currency rates, obtaining printing material and chemicals via the private sector was turning out to be an issue.
“We will take up the matter with the Treasury next month and hope the Treasury will provide a solution to the issue,” he said.
The Education Ministry has already reserved the required printing paper material for the GCE (O/L) examination in May, Ms Liyanage said.
However, many of the term test examinations – including exams in the Western Province – have already been postponed to the next term in view of the shortage of printing paper.
The increase in cost of printing, lack of printing paper and ink have affected several State sector institutions. Among them is the Ceylon Electricity Board.
In several areas electricity consumers have been informed verbally about the due amounts, or the rates have been provided on a slip of paper in the absence of bills.
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