Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi has issued new guidelines, effective from March 30, 2026, aimed at conserving energy and fuel across Sri Lanka. The directives include:
- All air conditioning units in state and statutory institutions must be switched off by 3:00 PM daily, with a similar request extended to private sector entities.
- Advertising light boards and screens are to be turned off after 8:00 PM.
- Street lights are to be switched off between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, though Mr. Chandrakeerthi emphasized the need for local authorities to coordinate with the Police to ensure this is not done in high-crime or accident-prone areas.
- Furthermore, events and concerts attended by over 100 people should not draw electricity from the national grid. These measures were detailed in a gazette and discussed at a media briefing on March 31, 2026.