Postal Strike Enters Day 4 With Rs. 100 Mn Loss

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa once again informed postal trade unions that he is ready for discussions, provided that demands related to overtime allowances and fingerprinting are withdrawn.

Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara stated that the Treasury has indicated there is room to release funds to pay salaries of postal workers who have not reported to duty.

Due to the ongoing strike action by several postal trade unions, the Postal Department has reported a financial loss of approximately Rs. 100 million so far.

The ongoing postal workers strike is being carried out based on 19 key demands, including issues related to overtime allowances and the use of fingerprint machines for recording attendance.

The strike, now in its fourth day, is taking place against the backdrop of all leave for postal department staff being cancelled.

A total of 23 trade unions are participating in the strike, including:

United National Postal Workers’ Union
Sri Lanka Nidahas Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union
United Postal and Telecommunication Workers’ Union
Sri Lanka Nidahas Postal Services Union
Sri Lanka Postal Workers’ Front

Due to the strike, several post offices across the country, including the Colombo Central Mail Exchange, remained closed.

Members of the public who came to access postal services expressed frustration, saying they have been facing severe difficulties for the past four days.

The Postal and Telecommunication Officers’ Union, along with the Joint Postal Trade Union Alliance, held a press conference today, reaffirming their commitment to continue the ongoing strike until their demands are addressed.

Speaking at the briefing, Chinthaka Bandara, Joint Convenor of the Joint Postal Trade Union Alliance, clarified the core issues behind the strike.

“This strike is not about opposing fingerprint machines or demanding excessive overtime,” Bandara said. “Fingerprinting is already being properly implemented by the Postal Department. If further instructions are issued, we are ready to comply.”

He emphasized that the unions are not rejecting government policy or acting outside the responsibilities of public service. The real issue, he explained, lies in the recent changes to the payment structure for overtime hours.

“We are not asking for more overtime. The problem arose when the rate for overtime payments was altered. This is a matter that can be resolved through dialogue,” he added.

Bandara also criticized the conditions set by the Minister for initiating discussions, stating that talks would only be held if the unions dropped their concerns over fingerprinting and overtime.

“We must make it clear—we do not agree to those terms,” he concluded.

The strike, now in its fourth day, has disrupted postal services across the country, with several post offices remaining closed and the public facing significant inconvenience.