Fingerprint Controversy, Pay Disputes Fuel Postal Strike

COLOMBO (News 1st); Postal operations across Sri Lanka remain paralyzed for the third consecutive day as trade unions representing postal workers continue their strike, demanding urgent solutions to 19 key issues affecting the sector.

Among the demands are proper payment of overtime allowances, filling of staff vacancies, resolution of long-standing issues in the postal transport division, and the implementation of three proposed salary increments for frontline officers.

The strike has led to the closure of major postal facilities, including the Central Mail Exchange in Colombo, causing widespread inconvenience to the public.

Many citizens who arrived at post offices to send registered letters were turned away due to the shutdown.

Sarath Shanthapriya, General Secretary of the All Ceylon Postal and Telecommunication Services Union, stated that despite repeated calls, neither the Media Minister nor the Postmaster General has initiated meaningful discussions.

He emphasized that the unions are ready for 24-hour negotiations at any time, but expressed disappointment over misleading claims that postal workers are demanding overtime payments.

He noted that No postal worker is asking for overtime, adding that if the government fills the vacancies, there will be no need for overtime.

He also rejected claims that postal workers oppose fingerprint-based attendance systems, noting that such systems have been in use for years across 67 administrative offices and the mechanical engineering division of the Postal Department.

H.A.R. Nihal, Co-Convener of the United Postal Trade Union Front, added that overtime is done only when necessary to maintain uninterrupted public service, noting that the department’s misinterpretation of government concessions has led to the loss of benefits for workers.

Meanwhile, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara responded, stating that they have resolved 17 of the demands, adding that regarding overtime, there is a government policy in place.

The strike has caused significant disruption, with many post offices across the country closed and citizens expressing frustration over the lack of access to essential services.