The Sri Lankan government is assessing the feasibility of ordering public sector employees to work from home on April 16 and 17, extending the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday break as part of fuel conservation efforts.
The proposal emerged from the third meeting of a Cabinet-appointed committee on public service continuity, chaired by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. A final decision has not yet been announced.
Reducing Fuel Demand
The dates fall immediately after the traditional New Year holiday on April 13–14. By extending the break with remote work days, authorities aim to reduce private vehicle usage and ease demand on critically low diesel stocks.
Several government institutions are already operating with reduced physical presence. The ministries of Transport, Digital Economy, Justice, and Health have deployed essential staff while shifting other operations online. The Ministry of Health and Mass Media reported a 42 percent reduction in diesel consumption by March 31.
Remote Work Guidelines Coming
The Ministry of Digital Economy is preparing formal guidelines for conducting official duties remotely, with a circular expected by April 20. Energy management awareness programmes have also been scheduled for schools on April 7 and 9, and universities are operating online where feasible.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for April 8, where a final decision on the work-from-home directive is expected.
The proposal is part of a broader set of measures to manage energy use as the country grapples with fuel supply constraints linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
