Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
Tuesday, 17 March 2026 06:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In an extraordinary move aimed at easing pressure on limited fuel supplies, the Government yesterday announced that Wednesdays will be declared a weekly holiday for public sector employees with effect from tomorrow (18).
The move was taken at the Cabinet of Ministers meeting yesterday in view of the prevailing fuel constraints in the country. Addressing a special media briefing, Essential Services Commissioner General Prabath Chandrakeerthi said the measure was intended to reduce fuel consumption and manage available stocks more efficiently.
However, the weekly holiday will not apply to essential services. The Commissioner General clarified that sectors including healthcare, ports, water supply and customs will continue to operate without interruption, given their critical role in maintaining national stability and economic activity.
Chandrakeerthi also noted that four special committees have been appointed to oversee energy management, essential services and other key sectors to ensure continuity of critical operations during this period.
In addition to State employees, the weekly Wednesday holiday will also apply to all Government schools, universities and Courts. The move is expected to significantly reduce daily commute and operational fuel usage across the public sector.
Private institutions have also been requested to follow similar measures where feasible, although the directive stops short of making it mandatory for the private sector.
The announcement further stated that all Government events will be suspended until further notice in light of the current fuel situation. The suspension is aimed at curbing non-essential travel and logistical arrangements that require additional fuel allocations.
Despite the introduction of a weekly holiday, the Government has provided flexibility to maintain operational continuity. The Commissioner General said that heads of Government institutions are empowered to require employees to report to work on the remaining four working days of the week, depending on operational necessities.
He also noted that the essential fuel requirements of key economic sectors, including tourism, agriculture, health and plantations will be carefully assessed, with additional fuel quotas to be released accordingly to ensure uninterrupted services and production.
Separately, the Government has also decided to temporarily suspend state events and celebrations and to establish a procedure for informing the private sector of any further measures the Government intends to take contain the economic fallout from the Mideast crisis, a statement from the President’s Media Division said yesterday.
