### 📈 Govt. Declares Wednesday Holiday to Manage Fuel Crisis

The Sri Lankan government has announced an immediate weekly public sector holiday every Wednesday, effective tomorrow (March 18), to curb national fuel consumption amid supply constraints linked to the Middle East crisis. • Scope of Directive: The holiday applies to all government employees, schools, universities, and courts. State events and celebrations are suspended until further notice to reduce logistical fuel needs. • Exemptions for Continuity: Essential services including healthcare, ports, water supply, and customs are excluded and will remain fully operational to maintain economic stability. • Sector-Specific Support: Four special committees will oversee energy and essential services. Despite the holiday, the government will release specific fuel quotas to protect tourism, agriculture, and plantations to ensure production remains uninterrupted. • Private Sector Impact: Private institutions are requested to follow similar measures where feasible, though the directive is currently not mandatory for non-state entities. • Operational Flexibility: Heads of government institutions may still require staff to report on the remaining four workdays based on operational necessity.