Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has made it clear that the Government will not alter its position regarding the ongoing trade union action by postal workers, stressing that those unwilling to work under government policy are free to seek employment elsewhere.
Addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing yesterday (19), the Minister said that of the 19 demands raised by postal trade unions, 17 have already been fulfilled or are being addressed. The only remaining issues, he noted, concern overtime payments and the fingerprint attendance system.
“The government stands by its policy and is open to discussions only if the trade unions agree to the government’s stance on overtime pay and the fingerprint system,”
Dr. Jayatissa said.
Salaries and Overtime Policy
The Minister highlighted that postal workers have already received significant salary benefits. Basic state sector salaries were increased in three phases—April 2025, January 2026, and January 2027. Overtime payments for around 23,000 postal workers are being calculated on the January 2027 salary scale, providing higher compensation compared to the past.
“This is the final decision on overtime pay. It is in line with government policy and will not be changed under any circumstances,”
he stressed.
Fingerprint Attendance System
On the second contentious issue, Dr. Jayatissa said the fingerprint attendance system is already in use at administrative offices of the Postal Department, with only a small minority at the Central Postal Exchange opposing it.
“That cannot be tolerated. Postal workers unwilling to accept the fingerprint system can find employment elsewhere,”
he warned.
Allegations of Political Influence
The Minister accused political parties of fuelling union action, noting that the Postal Department is operating at a loss, with revenue insufficient to cover even salaries and overtime.
“In such a situation, we cannot entertain unjust demands,”
he added.
Government’s Modernisation Drive
Despite the standoff, Dr. Jayatissa emphasised that the government is actively modernising the postal service, addressing long-neglected issues. Approvals for new recruitments have been granted and interviews are already underway.
“The postal sector is receiving more attention now than at any time in the past. We are tackling problems ignored for 7 to 8 years,”
he said.
The Minister reiterated that while the government remains open to dialogue, discussions will only take place once unions accept the government’s policy decisions.
