Sri Lanka Goes “Friday‑Off”: A Work‑Week Shake‑Up Amidst Fuel Fiascos
In a bold move to ease the nation’s battering fuel crisis and spark a home‑grown food revival, Colombo’s government has officially wired a four‑day working week for public sector employees. From Tuesday onward, all civil servants will be granted Friday off for the next three months.
Why a Friday Furlough?
- Fuel Shortage Chaos – With scorching queues at gas stations and an alarming surge in power outages, commuting has become a logistical nightmare.
- Farming Factory on a Budget – The decision encourages workers to roll up their sleeves, tap into backyard plots or community farms, and help stave off soaring food inflation (which peaked at 57% in April).
- Stirring the Nation’s Economy – A fresh push toward self‑sufficiency could ease the draconian foreign exchange drain and lift some weight off the national budget.
Inside the Cabinet Decision
“It’s time to give government officials a full day of freedom to engage in agricultural chores in their backyards or elsewhere,” the government information office boasted. The move comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s 22‑million citizens have been harrowing gasoline lines for hours, while power cuts dreadfully extend for months.
International Backing
Undeterred by the storm, the United Nations recently issued a warning about a looming humanitarian crisis, pledging $47 million to assist those surviving “more than a million” vulnerable people. Meanwhile, the U.S., through Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has signaled readiness to step in, echoing support in tandem with the International Monetary Fund.
Looking Ahead
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that Sri Lanka requires at least $5 billion for essential imports until the end of the year. A delegation from the IMF is slated to arrive in Colombo on June 20 to negotiate a bailout package. As the nation ripples with uncertainty, the Friday furlough offers a glimmer of relief, a shot of hope that a day less at the office might bring more satiety to the table.
