Sri Lanka's Public Administration Minister has criticized an ongoing trade union strike by Grama Niladhari officers, claiming the government has already proposed solutions, while union leaders insist immediate action is needed.
A dispute has emerged between the government and the Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance over a strike that began this week. Minister of Public Administration Professor Chandana Abeyratne stated that the trade union action is unwarranted, asserting that the government has already engaged with union leadership to address their grievances, including demands for fuel allowances, through the upcoming national Budget.
According to Prof. Abeyratne, the government has held multiple discussions with the union and raised the matter with the President, the Ministry Secretary, and the Finance Minister, all of whom have agreed to resolve the issue during the Budget process. The Minister emphasized that trade union action, while a legitimate right, ultimately harms ordinary citizens who depend on Grama Niladhari office services. He cited examples of how strikes in essential services affect public convenience.
However, union leadership views the situation differently. Nandana Ranasinghe, Chairman of the Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance, stated that the government has not yet taken their concerns seriously enough. The union is demanding either immediate implementation of the fuel allowance or a temporary allowance to be provided until the Budget is formally approved. Ranasinghe warned that strike action would intensify unless the government responds with concrete measures, and suggested the Ministry could issue directives to limit field duties and travel expenses for officers in the interim.
The strike, which began on the 10th, has already disrupted public access to Grama Niladhari services. The union has indicated willingness to pause action if temporary financial relief is provided before Budget approval.
