Hurricane Harmattan hits Asia; Sri Lankan declares Christmas a holiday to save money
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared every Wednesday a public holiday starting March 17 to conserve fuel amid escalating regional tensions linked to US and Israel's war with Iran. This decision follows an emergency meeting where officials warned of potential shortages as Asian nations grapple with the ongoing Middle East crisis, prompting Sri Lanka to adopt similar measures despite hopes for stability in energy supplies.
Key Points
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1Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared every Wednesday a public holiday to conserve fuel amid regional energy concerns.
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2The decision targets both private and state institutions as part of an effort to address potential national shortages triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the US.
Developments
Perspectives
Sri Lanka has declared every Wednesday a holiday to conserve fuel as Asian countries face potential energy crises triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
— [Mar 17, 08:03] Sri Lanka declares Wednesdays off to conserve fuel amid regional energy crunch (Myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com)"The Hurmuz crisis hit Asia;" for conservation purposes, Wednesday has been declared a holiday in the Republic of India.
— [Mar 17, 06:56] Hürmüz krizi Asya'yı vurdu (Gazeteoksijen)"Sri Lanka shifts to four-day week" due to possible fuel shortages following a war between the US and Israel against Iran.
— [Mar 17, 06:19] Iran war impact: Sri Lanka shifts to 4-day week (Timesofindia.indiatimes.com)"Sri Lankan government declares Wednesdays off" as Asian countries try to conserve fuel amid regional energy crunch.
— [Mar 17, 08:03] Sri Lanka declares Wednesdays off to conserve fuel amidst the region's power crisis (Bne.eu)"Sri Lankan government declared Wednesday holidays for public institutions" as Asian countries try to save on fuels amid regional energy crunch.
— [Mar 17, 04:26] Sri Lanka declares Wednesdays off in Asia amidst the region's power crisis (Feeds.bbci.co.uk)Amid fears of oil shortages caused by the US-Israel war with Iran disrupting flows through the Strait of Hormuz, Sri Lanka has declared every Wednesday as a public holiday and implemented national vehicle registration to ration fuel. This precautionary measure is part of broader energy conservation efforts across Asia following disruptions that affect nearly 90% of global Asian imports from the Gulf region.