Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, stated on Thursday (12) that work-from-home arrangements are not currently necessary in Sri Lanka, despite the ongoing global crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

The minister emphasized that the government is actively monitoring the situation and will consider implementing work-from-home policies for both public and private sector employees if the circumstances deteriorate further.

Addressing the impact of the conflict, Samarasinghe explained that it has disrupted global supply chains, leading to increased shipping costs and higher prices for essential goods in international markets. 

He also highlighted that global oil and gas prices have risen, warning that although local fuel prices have been adjusted accordingly, further increases could occur by April when new shipments, at higher costs, are expected to arrive.

The minister noted that some private gas suppliers have attempted to raise prices, but assured the public that the Government is closely monitoring these developments and taking steps to stabilize prices.

Samarasinghe urged citizens to remain calm, avoid panic-buying, and use resources responsibly. He also mentioned that long queues at fuel stations often appear immediately after news of global conflicts breaks, urging the public to exercise patience and caution during such times.