The islandwide postal workers’ strike continued for the fourth day today (22), with services across the country, including the Colombo Central Mail Exchange, remaining paralyzed.
Minister of Mass Media and Postal Services Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa reiterated his readiness to hold discussions with trade unions, but only if demands related to overtime payments and fingerprinting are withdrawn.
Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara confirmed that the Treasury has allocated funds to cover salaries of non-reporting staff. The ongoing strike, involving 23 unions and based on 19 key demands, has already caused financial losses estimated at Rs.100 million.
At a press briefing, Joint Postal Trade Union Alliance Convenor Chinthaka Bandara clarified that the dispute centers on changes to the overtime payment structure—not fingerprinting. He criticized the Minister’s conditions for talks, insisting the strike would continue until fair solutions are reached.
Meanwhile, the public has expressed mounting frustration over the disruption of postal services nationwide.
