A new series of guidelines from the government for electricity conservation

With the aim of conserving fuel and energy within the country, the government has announced a new set of guidelines for electricity and energy conservation. Dated March 30, 2026, by the Commissioner General of Essential Services, D.K.

Prabath Chandrakirthi, this official announcement, issued under his signature, has been directed to all Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, District Secretaries, as well as heads of statutory institutions.

According to these new instructions, air conditioning units used in all government institutions and statutory bodies must be switched off by 3:00 PM. As a measure to support energy conservation in the current situation, the government has also kindly requested private sector institutions to follow the same step.

Furthermore, restrictions have been imposed on nighttime advertising activities and street lighting to minimize unnecessary electricity consumption. Under these restrictions, electric light boards and electronic screens installed for advertising at various locations must be completely switched off after 8:00 PM. Additionally, relevant institutions have been instructed to promptly implement special programs to switch off street lamps controlled by local government authorities between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

In addition, the use of the national electricity grid for events attended by large crowds has been restricted. The announcement issued by the Commissioner General of Essential Services further states that organizers must ensure that any large-scale event or music concert with the participation of more than one hundred (100) people is held without drawing electricity from the national grid.