Sri Lanka adjusts public sector working days amid fuel supply constraints

Colombo — Sri Lanka has designated Wednesday as the weekly public holiday for public sector employees beginning 18 March, as authorities attempt to manage critical fuel supply shortages throughout the country.

Following measures announced by Sri Lanka’s Chief Commissioner of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi, all schools, universities, and district courts will also observe the new weekly closure policy every Wednesday.

However, the directive does not apply to essential sectors including healthcare services, ports, water supply operations, and customs administration.

The chief commissioner stated that heads of government institutions will retain the authority to require employees to work on the four other weekdays as needed, depending on operational requirements.

In a related measure, all government events have been suspended until further notice in response to the fuel supply situation, according to the announcement. The government has also requested private sector institutions to implement similar schemes where feasible.