US EditionWar-Linked Power Crunch Pushes Sri Lanka to Four-Day Week
Sri Lanka aims to cut electricity use by 25% with new energy-saving rules amid global fuel supply disruptions linked to Middle East conflict, officials said.
- On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Sri Lanka shifted state institutions, schools, and universities to a four-day workweek to conserve fuel reserves amid the ongoing Middle East war.
- Disrupted global energy supplies following conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran have depleted the island nation's diesel and petrol stocks.
- To cut electricity consumption by 25 percent, the government ordered street lights off, while technology firm WSO2 mandated remote work for its 500 employees on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Environmental lawyer Ravindranath Dabare expressed skepticism about the policy's long-term effectiveness, though housing ministry official Prarthana Perera noted she is enjoying the paid mid-week break.
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged electric vehicle owners to charge during daylight hours to utilize excess solar power, as the government seeks new crude oil supplies from Russia and Iran.
15 Articles
15 Articles
War-linked power crunch pushes Sri Lanka to 4-day week
Millions of Sri Lankans enjoyed a government-ordered extra day off on Wednesday as the island nation battles an energy crisis triggered by the Middle East war. Rail and bus stations were largely deserted as most state institutions, schools and universities shifted to a four-day working week. “I am really enjoying the mid-week break because it is a fully paid holiday,” said housing ministry official Prarthana Perera, 40. Her office, like many gov…
Sri Lanka slows down Wednesday to save its precious energy Admin FCE 25 Mar 2026 - 13:03 Buses without passengers, classrooms without pupils and deserted public services... Sri Lanka lived on Wednesday at the slow pace of the first day of rest of its work week shortened by the authorities due to war in the Middle East.Officer of the Ministry of Housing, Prarthana Perera, 40 years old, tasted this forced leave without restraint. "I savor it all t…
Sri Lanka Cuts Power Use As Middle East War Strains Energy Supply
By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue Sri Lanka has ordered widespread reductions in electricity usage, including switching off street lights and illuminated billboards, as the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies. The measures, which took effect on Tuesday, are part of a government plan to cut national energy consumption by at least 25 percent amid rising fuel costs and supply shortages. Government spokesman Nalinda Jayat…
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