Sri Lankan officials have been required to purchase economy class air tickets for official travel abroad to ensure that government resources are utilized efficiently, the President’s Media Unit (PMD) said on Thursday. President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake has issued the directive, which will take effect from March 1, on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, according to the PMD. (Xinhua)

A man rests while waiting in a line to buy diesel near a fuel station in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Officials such as the chief justice, justices of the Supreme Court, chairman of the Court of Appeal and justices of the Court of Appeal are exempt from booking economy class tickets. If an officer needs to travel in business class, they may do so at their own expense, paying the difference between an economy and business class ticket, according to the directive. REUTERS

Fike Photo: Ranil Wickremesinghe attends a swearing-in ceremony in the parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 21, 2022. This directive comes amid the current economic and financial challenges facing the South Asian country, and it is expected to help alleviate some of the pressure on government funds. (Sri Lankan President’s Office/Handout via Xinhua)