Sri Lanka to shorten workweek to conserve energy



03/17/2026 1:56 AM


Sri Lankan officials stated they are temporarily implementing a four-day workweek to save energy due to the circumstances in the Middle East, local sources reported.



Vincent van Zeijst
Wednesday will now serve as an extra day of rest for schools, universities, and various other government entities. Nonetheless, healthcare establishments, customs, and ports will keep functioning normally. Additionally, officials are urging government workers to refrain from commuting when feasible, choosing remote work to save fuel.

The day before, Sri Lankan officials set limits on fuel purchases: each driver can buy a maximum of 15 liters weekly, while public transport drivers can obtain up to 200 liters.

Media sources indicate that Sri Lanka depends significantly on oil imports from the Middle East.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry announced last week that it was in talks with Moscow regarding the potential import of Russian oil.

Due to the onset of conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz has essentially been shut down. Iran has issued a warning that any ship navigating the strait could be attacked.

source: japantoday.com

 


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