A Cabinet-appointed committee chaired by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya is considering extending work-from-home arrangements to April 16 and 17 as Sri Lanka deepens fuel conservation efforts amid the Middle East energy crisis.
The committee held its third meeting on April 2, conducted via a virtual platform, and is set to reconvene on April 8 to finalise decisions.
Results So Far
The Ministry of Health reported it had reduced diesel consumption by 42% by March 31 through efficiency measures across government institutions — a figure the government is pointing to as evidence that its conservation strategy is working.
Other measures already in place or under active discussion include:
- Energy management awareness programmes for schools on April 7 and 9
- Universities operating online where feasible
- Multiple ministries maintaining services through essential staffing and digital systems
- A water conservation campaign with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board
- A digital dashboard monitoring daily energy consumption, fuel reserves, and public service attendance
Next Steps
The Ministry of Digital Economy is preparing formal guidelines for online work, with a circular expected by April 20 following consultations with the Ministry of Public Administration.
The proposed April 16–17 work-from-home extension has not yet been confirmed and awaits the committee’s next meeting. It would add to the earlier WFH directives already imposed as part of the government’s response to the fuel supply disruption caused by the US-Iran conflict.
