The postal service must become self-sustaining rather than a burden on the state treasury, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.
He made these remarks while awarding permanent appointment letters to 731 newly recruited postal assistants at a ceremony held at Temple Trees this morning (06).
The Sri Lanka Postal Department had not recruited permanent postal assistants since 2021, resulting in 1,982 vacancies by the end of last year. To address the crisis, the Cabinet approved the recruitment of 1,000 postal assistants on August 19, 2025, at the request of Minister Jayatissa.
The 731 newly appointed officers were selected from among qualified substitute employees currently serving in the department, while recruitment for the remaining 269 positions is expected to follow soon.
Speaking at the event, Minister Jayatissa said Rs. 2,085 million has been allocated this year to modernize and strengthen the postal service. This includes Rs. 250 million for lorry purchases, Rs. 320 million for cabs, Rs. 180 million for 1,500 tablet computers to introduce digital technology to sub-post offices, Rs. 75 million for 225 computers, and Rs. 40 million to install solar energy systems in selected post offices.
He added that Rs. 600 million has been set aside for the construction of 20 new post offices — to be completed by December — and another Rs. 600 million for the modernization of 209 existing offices.
“These measures are aimed at transforming the postal service into an efficient, people-centered institution capable of generating its own income,” the Minister said.
Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that the post office should no longer depend on treasury funds. “If, even after all these investments, the postal service cannot become profitable, we must reconsider the way it operates,” he warned.
