State Institutions Adopt Measures to Conserve Fuel Following Wednesday Government Holiday

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Following the declaration of Wednesdays as government holidays to promote energy conservation, many state institutions have already begun implementing a series of measures to manage operations amid the ongoing fuel crisis.

The Ministry of Education has issued a circular to all school principals and education authorities, directing them to facilitate self-learning activities for students from home on Wednesdays.

School programs, events, and field trips have been temporarily suspended, and fuel-intensive school transport services are also being scaled back. 

Participation in planned educational trips will remain on hold until further notice.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) confirmed that academic activities at universities will continue online on Wednesdays, with dormitories remaining open. 

Deputy Chairman Professor Wasantha Liyanage noted that no closures of universities or student hostels will occur, and instructions for online learning have already been issued to all deputy vice-chancellors.

Considering the situation in the Middle East, the Ministry of Public Administration has issued a circular to ensure the continuation of essential government services while granting holidays. 

Wednesdays are to be considered holidays for government offices each week until further notice. Tasks scheduled for Wednesdays are to be carried over to the following Tuesday.

Officials who are required to report for essential duties on a holiday may still be called in by department heads, without the circular being an obstacle. 

Offices must also provide necessary arrangements to allow staff to complete their assigned tasks without being physically present.

Staff in offices closed on Wednesdays should not be required to work on weekends for overtime or compensatory leave, unless specifically authorized.

Government-organized events, such as conferences or celebrations, are to be temporarily suspended. 

Previous directives on electricity and fuel usage remain in effect.

The circular emphasizes that the holiday should not hinder essential government services.

The Judicial Services Commission has instructed courts to conduct proceedings online when possible. 

A notice issued by the commission acknowledged potential difficulties for individuals in remote areas due to new fuel rationing. Judges have been advised to consider prevailing conditions before issuing orders.

In cases where detention periods need to be extended, the commission has recommended online procedures to minimize fuel consumption.