August 18, Colombo (LNW): Postal operations across Sri Lanka face a second consecutive day of complete disruption as trade union action by the Postal and Telecommunications Officers’ Union and the United Postal Trade Unions’ Front (UPTUF) intensifies.
The widespread strike, driven by a list of 19 unresolved demands, is creating growing pressure on the government and public services alike.
Union leaders insist the core of their protest centres on longstanding issues, including the demand for overdue overtime payments and strong opposition to the recent requirement mandating the use of biometric fingerprint systems for administrative staff to register attendance.
Workers argue that such measures are intrusive and unnecessarily bureaucratic, particularly given the already strenuous working conditions they face.The protest was initiated on the afternoon of August 17 at the Colombo Central Mail Exchange and quickly escalated into a nationwide walkout, affecting not only regular postal delivery but also the administrative operations critical to the day-to-day running of the Department of Posts.
Chinthaka Bandara, co-convener of the UPTUF, stated that postal services would remain at a standstill until meaningful dialogue was initiated. “This is not a decision we took lightly,” he noted. “Our members have raised these issues repeatedly. The strike will continue until tangible solutions are offered.”However, the government has pushed back against the strike.
Speaking at a press briefing in Colombo, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara dismissed the protest as unreasonable, claiming that many of the issues raised had already been addressed or were in the process of being resolved. He suggested the strike action was disproportionate and risked damaging public trust in the service.
Further criticism came from Minister of Mass Media and Postal Services, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, who warned that the disruption posed serious financial implications. “Even a brief lapse in operations can result in significant revenue losses for the department,” he said, adding that these shortfalls might jeopardise future wage increases and budget allocations, including for overtime and infrastructure improvements.
Dr Jayatissa argued that the timing of the strike was particularly problematic, as the department was in the midst of important reforms — including digitisation efforts, fleet upgrades, and staffing increases — all of which aimed to modernise and stabilise postal services.
In a direct appeal to workers, he urged a return to duty, calling for employees to act in the broader national interest. “This strike only hinders progress. We’re asking our staff to recognise the realities, get back to work, and help us build a stronger, more efficient postal service that benefits everyone.”
