four-day work week: Smart step towards a productive SL

21 March 2026 12:38 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 2 Bookmark

A A A

Join our WhatsApp Channel

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has made a timely and pragmatic decision in proposing a four-day work week, with Wednesdays designated as a holiday for public sector employees.

This initiative is clearly aimed at conserving fuel, easing pressure on public transport, and mitigating the challenges posed by a potential energy crisis. This forward-thinking move offers several tangible benefits A better work life balance: Provide a better service/output as staff will be healthier and efficient and thereby productivity will be enhanced: Household chores could be better accomplished as both the parents are employed nowadays: Travel will be minimised reducing traffic congestion overall: Staff will be stress free as they will be able to execute their workload at home much better: Devote more quality time with their children, parents and relatives: Have time to pursue further studies: Employees will be more committed.

And this option could be utilised to wait in the gas/petrol queue, which would invariably will take a minimum half a day. It is hoped that the private sector will also consider adopting similar flexible arrangements, including remote work options as effectively practiced during the Covid-19 pandemic to further alleviate fuel-related challenges and enhance operational resilience.

Mohamed Zahran

Colombo

Comments - 2

Anon Reader Saturday, 21 March 2026 10:33 PM

How about a salary cut to public sector employees whose unavailability during the week will inevitably slow down admin work necessary in running the private sector. Why should my tax money go to people who work less than I do? Why should I have to pay the salaries of people who don't work a whole day of the work week? Completely unreasonable and unfair and I hope their wages reflect the change in the hours they put in at work.

0 0

Bandara Gamage Sunday, 22 March 2026 05:26 AM

It's a bad idea. Sri Lanka has the highest number of public holidays in the world. One of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. Needs to work more to increase GDP and productivity. I pity the taxpayers and private sector who have the fund this idiotic idea.

0 0

222

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.