Village-level administrators across Sri Lanka have begun industrial action to protest a transport allowance of Rs. 600 that has remained unchanged since 2018, demanding an increase equivalent to 20 litres of fuel.
Grama Niladharis (GNs), the lowest tier of Sri Lanka's state administration, have launched a sick-note campaign in protest over their transport allowance, which has stagnated at Rs. 600 for eight years. According to the GN Trade Union Alliance president Nandana Ranasinghe, the union will intensify its industrial action unless the government grants an immediate increase to match the cost of 20 litres of fuel. The Public Administration Ministry estimates there are approximately 14,022 GN divisions operating across the country, though actual staffing levels may be lower due to vacancies.
GNs perform functions far beyond issuing village-level certificates. They serve as the government's administrative presence in communities, assisting law enforcement, collecting economic and social data, coordinating development programmes, administering welfare initiatives, maintaining records, and providing certification services. Their work is geographically demanding and involves substantial travel throughout their divisions. The Island newspaper notes that this explains why the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna targeted numerous GNs during its campaign of violence in the late 1980s, recognizing their importance to state operations.
The dispute has highlighted perceived inconsistencies in government policy. While the JVP-NPP government campaigned on reducing costs associated with elected representatives and pledged to follow the Swedish model—where lawmakers receive no official vehicles or fixed fuel allowances—reports indicate that MPs' fuel allowances have been increased. Government officials, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Finance Ministry representatives, have stated that state finances are in surplus.
Some analysts suggest that certain GN functions could migrate to digital platforms as internet penetration increases. However, concerns remain about accessibility for the estimated two-fifths of the population still offline, including elderly and poor citizens in remote areas. The Island argues that GNs provide irreplaceable local knowledge that online systems cannot replicate. The publication calls on the government to negotiate with protesting GNs rather than allow industrial action to intensify and disrupt public services.
