Colombo, Mar 17: The ongoing war effort against Iran in West Asia has led to a serious fuel shortage in neighboring Sri Lanka, and the government there has declared a 4-day work week to control the situation.
Yes.. A four-day work week has been declared in Sri Lanka as an emergency measure in the wake of fuel shortages.
Sri Lanka declared a four-day work week on Monday as an emergency measure in the wake of fuel shortages that could arise due to the war in West Asia, and declared every Wednesday a public holiday. Currently, the island nation follows a five-day work week.
“It has been decided to declare every Wednesday a public holiday with effect from March 18, i.e. tomorrow,” said Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabhat Chandrakirti.
Similarly, he clarified that this does not apply to health, ports, water supply and customs, adding, “It also applies to schools, universities and the judiciary. The government expects the private sector to apply the same measure.”
The decision was taken at a special meeting called by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake with the participation of the entire state machinery “to discuss strategies to ensure the continuity of public services amid the energy disruption caused by the Middle East conflict,” he said.
Last week, Sri Lanka had been trying to stop hoarding by increasing retail fuel prices. From Sunday, a fuel rationing system was introduced to reduce consumption and hoarding.
But the government appealed for the economical use of fuel. However, long queues formed near fuel stations from Sunday with the announcement of the new rationing system.
According to the government, talks are underway with both India and Russia to ensure continuous fuel supply.