The government has decided to grant a weekly holiday every Wednesday to public sector employees starting today (18), until further notice, due to ongoing fuel supply challenges.
Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said the holiday will also apply to schools, universities, and the judicial sector.
Authorities have further requested that state-approved schools and private tuition classes suspend activities on Wednesdays.
However, the directive does not apply to essential services, including healthcare, ports, water supply, and electricity, which will continue to operate as usual.
Meanwhile, the Department of Railways announced that only trains operating on a Saturday schedule will run today in view of the special holiday.
Accordingly:
- 29 trains will operate on the main line
- 17 trains on the upcountry line
- 33 trains on the coastal line
- 5 trains on the Kelani Valley line
- 9 trains on the Puttalam line
- 6 trains on the Batticaloa and Trincomalee lines
The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) stated that bus services will continue islandwide, with some schedules adjusted where necessary. Authorities said buses will be deployed based on passenger demand.