Due to a fuel shortage, the Sri Lankan authorities on Friday announced a two-week shutdown of government offices and schools.
“Taking into consideration the severe limits on fuel supply, the weak public transport system, and the difficulty in using private vehicles, this circular allows minimal staff to report to work from Monday,” said Sri Lankan Public Administration Ministry.
However, essential employees will continue working.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Education Ministry said on Thursday that schools will be closed for two weeks due to persistent power outages. However, the ministry said the schools should conduct online classes, if possible.
Sri Lanka has been experiencing roughly 12- to 13-hour-long blackouts for months.
Sri Lanka went into default on its $51 billion foreign debt in April and is currently negotiating a bailout with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
