Colombo, March 16 Sri Lanka announced a four-day work week, with Wednesday designated as a public holiday, as a precautionary measure in response to potential fuel shortages due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Currently, the island nation operates on a five-day work week.
"It was decided to declare every Wednesday a public holiday, effective March 18," said Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi.
Clarifying that this would not apply to healthcare, ports, water supplies, and customs, he said, "It would apply to schools, universities, and the judiciary."
The government expects the private sector to adopt the same measure, the commissioner said.
The decision was made at a special meeting convened by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with the participation of the entire state apparatus, "to discuss strategies for ensuring the continuity of public services amidst the disruption caused by the Middle East conflict."
Last week, Sri Lanka raised fuel retail prices in an attempt to curb hoarding.
A fuel rationing system was launched on Sunday to minimize usage and hoarding, while the government appealed for the judicious use of fuel.
However, long queues formed near fuel stations since Sunday with the announcement of the new rationing system.
According to the government, talks are ongoing with both India and Russia to ensure a continuous supply of fuel.
Starting February 28, the US and Israel launched a massive joint attack on Iran, which has also extended to the entire Gulf region in response to Tehran's retaliation.
Iranian strikes in the Strait of Hormuz have affected maritime traffic, which is crucial for global supply chains for crude oil.