• Govt. not willing to force but requests to align with Govt. schedule 
•  Labour Min. notes need to balance economic impact on industries 
• Acknowledges that not every private entity can adapt or compromise  

The Government has requested the private sector to consider declaring Wednesdays a holiday if it is feasible for their operations, the Labour Ministry said.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (17), Ministry’s Secretary S.M. Piyatissa clarified the Government is not willing to force the private sector to adopt the Wednesday holiday and has only asked them to align with the schedule of Government offices where possible.

"On most occasions, they have contacts with stakeholders, which are rather difficult to compromise on. Hence, only those that can adapt can do that," he said. He also mentioned the decision must be viewed through an economic lens, adding the current effect on industries needs to be weighed alongside labour rights.

The statement follows a special press conference held on Monday (16) where it was announced that Wednesdays would be declared a public holiday starting from today (18).