Sri Lanka has decided that Wednesday will be a public holiday for public institutions, as a measure of austerity in the context of rising oil prices.

Sri Lanka has implemented an austerity measure by declaring Wednesday as a holiday for public institutions, in an attempt to save fuel amid rising oil prices caused by the conflict between the USA and Israel with Iran. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the need to prepare for the most difficult economic scenarios. The measure aligns with other initiatives in Asia, where countries like Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Vietnam have adopted various strategies to reduce energy consumption. In Sri Lanka, the measure will also apply to schools, but it will not affect essential services. Additionally, drivers must register for a 'National Fuel Pass', which limits the amount of fuel available. Oil prices have risen significantly, reaching around 100 USD per barrel, and Dissanayake warned that the country must be prepared for the toughest times.