- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major bid to reduce overall fuel usage, Sri Lanka has implemented a four-day work week system. As per the system, the nation has declared an additional leave for each week to reduce daily commute amid the ongoing global fuel crisis due to the Middle East conflict.
The country has declared Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday as leave, with the decision affecting from March 18, 2026. According to a BBC report, the four-day work weeks will occur at all educational institutions, such as schools and universities. However, both essential services (e.g. healthcare, ports, emergency operations) and all government services will remain open as usual.
"We must prepare for the worst, but hope for the best," President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.
The government stated that Wednesday has been selected as a new holiday to avoid having government employees have three consecutive days off. In addition, the Government of Sri Lanka launched a National Fuel Pass program that requires all vehicle owners to register for a limited number of litres of fuel.
The government is also actively promoting telecommuting whenever possible as well as encouraging both public and private companies to implement energy efficiency practices in their daily operations. "Again, we ask the private sector to continue doing this by adopting Wednesdays as a holiday effective immediately," stated Prabath Chandrakeerthi (Commissioner General Essential Services).
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Along with Sri Lanka, other countries throughout South Asia and Southeast Asia are also implementing measures to deal with high oil prices and supply chain disruptions, including fuel rationing, adjusting working hours or remote work arrangements.
- The Philippines have also instituted flexible working arrangements, including remote working and a ban on non-essential travel by public sector workers, and are providing assistance to vulnerable communities to cover their increased fuel expenses.
- In Myanmar, there are alternate-day restrictions on driving based on vehicle license plate numbers.
- In Bangladesh, the Ramadan holiday has been moved forward, and planned power cuts have been put into effect to conserve power.
The narrow Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil transportation route. Persistent geopolitical issues in the area are continuing to impact shipping and raise the price of oil worldwide, creating uncertainty for oil-dependent countries such as Sri Lanka.