Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe says there is no need at present to introduce work-from-home arrangements in Sri Lanka despite the global crisis triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Speaking on Thursday (12), the Minister said the government is closely monitoring the evolving situation and would consider implementing work-from-home arrangements for both public and private sector employees if conditions worsen.
Samarasinghe noted that the conflict has disrupted global supply chains, leading to increased shipping costs and higher prices for essential goods in international markets.
He also said global oil and gas prices have risen, warning that although fuel prices have already been adjusted locally, further increases could occur by April when new shipments arrive at higher costs.
The Minister added that some private gas suppliers have attempted to raise prices, but the government is keeping a close watch and taking steps to maintain price stability.
Samarasinghe also urged the public not to engage in panic buying and to use resources responsibly.
He noted that long queues often form at fuel stations immediately after news of global conflicts, stressing that such behaviour is unnecessary and can create avoidable pressure on supplies.