An island-wide postal strike entered its second day Monday, disrupting services across Sri Lanka as workers pressed 19 demands, including changes to overtime pay and the withdrawal of a new fingerprint attendance system.
The walkout began Sunday evening at the Central Mail Exchange in Colombo and quickly spread nationwide. Union leaders said the fingerprint scanners introduced were among the most contentious issues.
Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara said about 3,354 sub-post offices remain open but warned of delays in mail delivery. He called the strike unfair and said nearly 90 per cent of the postal department’s spending already goes to salaries and overtime.
Sathkumara said police have been asked to protect staff who report to work and warned of disciplinary action against any attempts to disrupt operations.
No timeline has been given for when the strike will end. (Newswire)