Sri Lanka Affairs

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War-linked power crunch pushes Sri Lanka to four-day week​

AFP
March 25, 2026



Commuters ride along a deserted street in Colombo on March 25, 2026 after Sri Lanka introduced a four-day work week to conserve fuel reserves amid the Middle East war. — AFP

Millions of Sri Lankans enjoyed a government-ordered extra day off on Wednesday as the island nation battles an energy crisis triggered by the Middle East war.

Rail and bus stations were largely deserted as most state institutions, schools and universities shifted to a four-day working week.

“I am really enjoying the mid-week break because it is a fully paid holiday,” said housing ministry official Prarthana Perera, 40.

Her office, like many government departments in Battaramulla — the capital’s main administrative hub — was closed.

Banks operated on shorter hours, while many private firms introduced work-from-home arrangements, industry bodies said, urging members to help curb energy use.

Sri Lanka has already raised fuel prices by a third since the United States and Israel began bombing Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks that have disrupted global energy supplies.

 

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About half of Sri Lanka’s electricity is generated by coal and diesel.

The cabinet has set a target of cutting electricity consumption by 25 per cent, ordering street lamps switched off and asking civil servants to use table fans instead of power-hungry air conditioners.

Shipping executive Varuna Perera welcomed the day off but was uncertain of its impact.

“It will not be effective in the long term,” Perera said. “But the government will have a breather for a couple of weeks, to save some energy.”

Environmental lawyer Ravindranath Dabare was more sceptical, arguing the move would have a limited impact as those needing government services would have to travel on other days.

“We can’t close hospitals … the doctors and health officials can’t work from home,” Dabare said.

The influential Chamber of Commerce said it had urged members to follow government guidelines or adopt remote work where possible, if “business continuity can be effectively maintained”.

 

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‘Improving productivity’​

Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the government had yet to assess the impact of the energy-saving measures, but expected broad compliance.

Sri Lanka has been running coal and diesel power plants at full capacity to meet electricity demand.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged electric vehicle owners not to charge their cars overnight, as they would add a surge to an already strained grid.

He asked motorists instead to plug in during the day, when excess solar power is available.

Officials said the country’s diesel stocks are sufficient to last until mid-May, while petrol could last a week longer.

The government is seeking oil supplies from Russia and hopes to tap Iran for crude oil, Jayatissa said.

 

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Colombo Motor Show​

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27 March 2026

A full range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, along with smarter and cleaner solar energy solutions designed for tomorrow, was launched at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The exhibition will be held until Sunday (29) from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

 

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PUCSL announces electricity tariff revision from April 1​

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30 March 2026
CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA

Colombo, March 30 (Daily Mirror) - The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced a revision to electricity tariffs, with the new rates set to take effect from April 1.

The revision comes despite an earlier proposal by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) seeking an overall tariff increase of 13.56% for all sectors for the second quarter of this year.

The PUCSL stated that the approved tariff adjustment was finalized following its review process, although details on the extent of the increase across different consumer categories are yet to be fully disclosed.

The move is expected to impact electricity consumers nationwide, as authorities continue efforts to balance rising energy costs and financial sustainability in the power sector.

Accordingly, consumers with electricity usage of less than 30 units will be charged 4.3% of the monthly cost, amounting to Rs. 15.

Electricity consumption between 31–60 units will be charged 6.9% of the monthly cost, amounting to Rs. 45. Consumption between 61–90 units will also be charged 6.9% of the monthly cost, amounting to Rs. 120. Consumption between 91–180 units will be charged 7.2% of the monthly cost, amounting to Rs. 420.

The commission has decided not to impose any tariff revisions for religious and charitable purposes for monthly electricity usage below 180 units. A 9.6% electricity tariff revision will be imposed on religious places for usage exceeding 120 units per month.

Meanwhile, an 8% electricity tariff revision will be imposed on general-purpose consumers. A 14.4% tariff increase will apply to government institutions. The hotel sector will see a 9.9% increase, while tariffs for industrial purposes will rise by 8.7%.

 

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Education Ministry reissues guidelines to schools amid dry weather and fuel concerns​

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CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA
30 March 2026

Colombo, March 30 (Daily Mirror) - The Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Ministry has reiterated instructions to schools regarding ongoing dry weather conditions and the emerging global fuel crisis, urging strict adherence to previously issued guidelines.

Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, said that recommendations issued on March 12, 2026, to all Provincial Directors of Education, advising that students should refrain from engaging in outdoor activities due to high temperatures,must be properly implemented in all schools.

He also stressed that instructions issued on March 17, 2026, should be followed to ensure the continuation of daily administrative work and teaching and learning processes while managing energy usage in light of the global fuel crisis.

The Ministry highlighted the importance of maintaining student safety while ensuring uninterrupted education services under the prevailing conditions.

 

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Sri Lankan Origin Athithiya Anantharajah appointed Deputy Mayor in Paris​

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30 March 2026



March 30 (Daily Mirror) - Twenty-five-year-old French politician of Sri Lankan origin Athithiya Anantharajah has been appointed Deputy Mayor (maire adjoint) of Pontault-Combault, a suburb on the outskirts of Paris.

Anantharajah, the daughter of Tamil refugees who fled the war in Sri Lanka, began her political journey at the age of 19 as a city councillor. She has since gained recognition for her dedication, grassroots engagement, and commitment to public service.

Following her success in the recent municipal elections, she was appointed Deputy Mayor in March 2026, where she is expected to focus on local governance and community development.

Her family is originally from Kayts in the Jaffna District, a background she credits for shaping her strong interest in politics and public service.

Prior to her appointment, Anantharajah served as Municipal Councillor for Youth from 2020 to 2026. In that role, she led several initiatives for residents aged 11 to 17, including the “Quartier Jeunes” programme and awareness workshops focusing on environmental issues and disability inclusion.

 

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Sri Lanka announces relief package due to soaring energy costs.
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Image source, EPA

In Sri Lanka, the largest-ever relief package is being rolled out for farmers, fishermen and low-income households amid soaring energy costs.

The island nation is heavily dependent on oil from the Middle East, and fuel prices have increased by a third since the war began on 28 February.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the package will help those most vulnerable, particularly anyone living below the poverty line.

Sri Lanka is now in talks with Russia for backup supplies of gas, coal, fuel and fertiliser.

 

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IMF strikes staff-level deal with Sri Lanka on $700m in funding​

Reuters
April 9, 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached a staff-level pact with Sri Lanka, which will unlock financing of about $700 million once approved, the lender said on Thursday, calling for reforms, including in fuel levies, to ensure stability and growth.

The deal comes as the island nation recovers from its worst economic crisis in decades, which led to a foreign debt default in 2022 and a $2.9-billion IMF bailout programme.

Sri Lanka’s economic reforms have supported the recovery, but it has been significantly exposed to the Iran war and needs to “build back better” after Cyclone Ditwah, the IMF added.

The Middle East conflict caused a surge in energy prices, disrupted a key air hub for tourists, and affected Sri Lankans working in the region, said Evan Papageorgiou, the IMF’s mission chief for Sri Lanka.

“The staff-level agreement will go before the IMF executive board at the end of May or early April,” he added.

Sri Lanka will need to raise power tariffs further and carefully manage its finances to navigate the Middle East crisis, the IMF said, adding it could revisit reserve targets under the program to help Sri Lanka pay for higher fuel costs.

US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted energy flows from the Middle East before Tuesday’s ceasefire, crimping supplies and spurring efforts by Asian nations to tackle energy supply shortages and higher prices.

The deal comes as higher energy prices have put pressure on the foreign exchange reserves of Sri Lanka, which has ordered public holidays on Wednesdays, rationed fuel, and raised pump prices by about 35 per cent last month to rein in consumption.

Sri Lanka is in talks with China, India and Russia to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies, and aims to spend $600m to buy refined fuel for April.

 

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Pakistan, Sri Lanka kick off joint counter-terrorism exercise 'Shake Hands-II' at Tarbela​

ISPR says exercise aimed at enhancing professional capabilities through joint training

Web Desk
April 28, 2026

Photo: ISPR

Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Monday kicked off a joint counter-terrorism exercise at Tarbela aimed at enhancing professional capabilities and strengthening longstanding military-to-military relations, the military’s media wing said in a statement

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Shake Hands-II is a joint counter-terrorism exercise conducted between the armies of Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

"The two-week exercise commenced on April 27 at Tarbela, with the participation of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and Special Forces from the Sri Lankan Army."

The statement said the exercise aimed to enhance professional capabilities through joint training while further strengthening the longstanding military-to-military relations between the two friendly nations.

“Participating troops will benefit from the exchange of operational experiences and expertise in counter-terrorism operations, contributing to improved interoperability and mutual understanding,” it added.

 

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Sri Lanka govt 'temporarily' takes over cricket board​

Eran Wickramaratne to lead newly appointed nine-member Sri Lanka Cricket interim administration​

AFP
April 29, 2026

A secutiry person is seen outside the Sri Lanka's cricket board. — Reuters/File

Sri Lanka's government took control of the island's cricket board on Wednesday and appointed a nine-member interim administration to carry out "structural reforms".

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is the country's wealthiest sporting body, but it has been plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

 

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Sri Lanka raises fuel prices as inflation spikes​

AFP
May 4, 2026

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka raised fuel prices by nearly four percent on Sunday, further fuelling inflation, which more than doubled last month due to the Middle East war.

Since March, Sri Lanka has raised fuel prices by more than 35 percent, while gas and electricity rates have also increased by a similar amount.

The island has also rationed fuel following supply disruptions.

On Sunday, the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation increased the price of kerosene — used by agricultural machinery — to 265 rupees ($0.85) a litre, up 10 rupees.

Petrol rose 12 rupees to 410 rupees ($1.32). Diesel was up 10 rupees to 392 rupees.

Higher energy prices pushed inflation to more than double, reaching 5.4 percent in April, according to official data.

Fuel and electricity tariffs drove up

transport costs as well as food prices, the Department of Census and Statistics said.