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  "path": "/news/world/sri-lanka-wednesdays-off-fuel",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-17T15:53:01.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Middle East oil crisis sparks fivefold price surge for petrol as EV drivers spared cost hikes",
    "Iran make demand regarding World Cup matches after Donald Trump issued warning",
    "Iran war 'may spark medicine shortage' just as UK scrambles to contain deadly meningitis outbreak",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nSri Lanka has moved to a four-day working week, designating every Wednesday a public holiday beginning tomorrow as the island nation seeks to preserve fuel stocks amid the war in Iran.\n\nThe measure responds to concerns over potential shortages linked to conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil supplies.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nCommissioner General of Essential Services, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, confirmed the decision on Monday, stating: \"It was decided to declare every Wednesday a public holiday with effect from March 18.\"\n\nThe country previously operated on a standard five-day schedule. Other Asian nations, including Thailand and Myanmar, have implemented comparable steps to address supply uncertainties.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe directive applies to all state institutions, encompassing state offices, educational establishments and the judiciary.\n\nSchools and universities across the country will observe the midweek closure, as will courts and other public sector bodies.\n\nMr Chandrakeerthi clarified that essential services would remain unaffected by the new arrangement.\n\nHealthcare facilities, port operations, water supply services and customs will continue functioning throughout the week without interruption.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHeads of government departments retain discretion to call staff into work during the remaining four weekdays should operational needs demand it.\n\nThe policy does not extend to private businesses, though authorities have encouraged commercial enterprises to adopt similar practices voluntarily.\n\nAuthorities have halted all government events until further notice as part of efforts to curb travel and reduce fuel consumption.\n\nThe suspension forms part of a broader response to the country's constrained energy situation.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Middle East oil crisis sparks fivefold price surge for petrol as EV drivers spared cost hikes\n  * Iran make demand regarding World Cup matches after Donald Trump issued warning\n  * Iran war 'may spark medicine shortage' just as UK scrambles to contain deadly meningitis outbreak\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMotorists are already experiencing fuel rationing, evoking memories of Sri Lanka's previous economic difficulties.\n\nThe government has appealed to private sector organisations to consider implementing comparable working arrangements where feasible.\n\nThese measures come as the nation grapples with rising fuel demand amid uncertainty surrounding global supplies, with Middle East tensions continuing to affect international oil markets.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Sri Lanka declares all Wednesdays OFF in desperate bid to conserve fuel"
}