Sri Lanka declares all Wednesdays OFF in desperate bid to conserve fuel

Commissioner General of Essential Services, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, confirmed the decision on Monday, stating: "It was decided to declare every Wednesday a public holiday with effect from March 18."

The country previously operated on a standard five-day schedule. Other Asian nations, including Thailand and Myanmar, have implemented comparable steps to address supply uncertainties.

The directive applies to all state institutions, encompassing state offices, educational establishments and the judiciary.

Schools and universities across the country will observe the midweek closure, as will courts and other public sector bodies.

Mr Chandrakeerthi clarified that essential services would remain unaffected by the new arrangement.

Healthcare facilities, port operations, water supply services and customs will continue functioning throughout the week without interruption.

Heads of government departments retain discretion to call staff into work during the remaining four weekdays should operational needs demand it.

The policy does not extend to private businesses, though authorities have encouraged commercial enterprises to adopt similar practices voluntarily.

Authorities have halted all government events until further notice as part of efforts to curb travel and reduce fuel consumption.

The suspension forms part of a broader response to the country's constrained energy situation.

Motorists are already experiencing fuel rationing, evoking memories of Sri Lanka's previous economic difficulties.

The government has appealed to private sector organisations to consider implementing comparable working arrangements where feasible.

These measures come as the nation grapples with rising fuel demand amid uncertainty surrounding global supplies, with Middle East tensions continuing to affect international oil markets.

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