The trade union action launched by Grama Niladhari officers has been called off following discussions with the Ministry of Public Administration.

The decision was reached after talks today (17) between representatives of Grama Niladhari associations, Minister of Public Administration Chandana Abeyratne, and the Ministry Secretary. 

Association representatives said that during the meeting, the President joined via telephone and assured that steps would be taken to address their demands in the upcoming budget.

Following this assurance, the associations announced that they had decided to end the trade union action. 

They further confirmed that all Grama Niladhari officers will resume duties as usual on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, beginning this week. (Newswire)

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Strike action by Grama Niladharis is underway in several areas for the second consecutive day, with officers across the island reporting sick leave and refraining from duty.

The protest, launched yesterday (10), stems from long‑standing demands including the non‑increase of the Rs. 600 travel allowance, which has remained unchanged for eight years.

At a media briefing in Colombo on Sunday (09), Federation President Nandana Ranasinghe announced the decision, stressing that despite Cabinet approval in 2024 to provide an allowance equivalent to 20 liters of fuel, the benefit has not yet been implemented.

In response, Grama Niladharis began a two‑day trade union action by submitting sick leave and refusing to report for duty. Ranasinghe confirmed the action would be carried out island‑wide, affecting administrative services in multiple districts. (Newswire)

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A Disaster Relief Services Officer in the Monaragala District has been dismissed following allegations of misusing compensation funds provided for victims of Cyclone Ditwah.

According to the Government Information Department, the Grama Niladhari officer was removed from duty after complaints surfaced about irregularities in the handling of relief allocations.

The Grama Niladhari officer has been transferred to another division to facilitate ongoing investigations. (Newswire) 

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A retired Grama Niladhari officer was arrested on Monday (30) by officials of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

The Bribery Commission states that the suspect fraudulently issued an income certificate under his official capacity to facilitate the allocation of government land under the agricultural scheme for high‑income individuals. 

The act is said to have caused a financial loss of Rs. 10,625,000 to the state while providing undue benefit to an external party.

The suspect was arrested and subsequently produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, after which he was released on bail. (Newswire)

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The Presidential Secretariat has issued a statement clarifying that a news item circulating on social media under the title “Rapid Complaint Handling Procedure for Irregularities Involving Grama Niladhari” is false.

According to the Secretariat, the post contains fraudulent hotline and direct telephone numbers and falsely claims to have been issued by the Presidential Secretariat.

Officials stressed that the information is inaccurate and deceptive, and urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified content on social media platforms.

The Secretariat further emphasized the importance of relying only on official announcements and verified sources for information related to government procedures. (Newswire)

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Grama Niladhari Officials have decided to launch a trade action today over safety issues.

Convenor of the Sri Lanka Grama Niladhari Association, Neville Wijerathna said the trade union action will be launched from midnight today (14 Mar). 

He further said the trade union action is being conducted based on an issue related to the safety of female Grama Niladhari officers. (Newswire)

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Grama Niladhari Officers have decided to stage a protest week starting today (Aug 12) until next Monday (Aug 19).

They have also decided to refrain from duties today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday).

Co-President of the Grama Niladhari Officers’ Alliance Nandana Ranasinghe said the measures are being taken to protest the issuance of a Gazette notification on the Constitution for Grama Niladharis which does not include their suggestion. 

He further said that a silent protest will also be staged in front of the Ministry of Public Administration today. (Newswire)

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Interviews for the recruitment of Grama Niladhari officers for 2002 vacant Grama Niladhari Divisions are currently underway and the selected candidates will be appointed before the end of April, State Minister of Home Affairs, Ashoka Priyantha announced.

Addressing the media, State Minister Priyantha emphasized the potential of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s agenda, stating that continued progress along this path could lead to significant improvements in the country’s economy and overall well-being.

“We are actively fostering economic and social stability by resolving past crises. Our ministry has played a significant role in this endeavour. We have established food safety and nutrition committees at the district level and ensured that 02 million impoverished families receive spectacles. Furthermore, we are working on revitalizing rural development through decentralized budget initiatives.

“Interviews were conducted on the 13th and 14th to hire Grama Niladhari officers for 2002 vacant GN Divisions. Interviews for this concluded on Friday (15). We aim to have the recruited Grama Niladhari officers in place before the end of April,” he said.

According to the State Minister, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena met with professional associations of Grama Niladhari officers on 14th March to address their current challenges. During the meeting, a proposal was presented concerning travel expenses and office allowances, for which a cabinet paper has already been submitted.

“The Grama Niladhari Constitution, a primary concern for Grama Niladhari officers, has been drafted and presented through a cabinet paper. Once approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, it will proceed for further action. We anticipate a positive outcome regarding this matter soon.

“Amidst economic and other challenges, it has been our duty and responsibility to restore livelihoods and foster unity in society. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been instrumental in building this trust. Therefore, if we can sustain this trajectory for another two years, we have the potential to transform our country positively by rejuvenating the economy and halting detrimental projects,” he added. (NewsWire/ Image – File Pic)

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