A preliminary discussion on the modernisation of Sri Lanka Post was held at the Presidential Secretariat between Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and officials of the Department of Posts.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the discussion was held in line with directives issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during the 2027 pre-Budget discussion of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media on 9 July 2026. It focused on identifying the challenges that need to be addressed to modernise the Department of Posts and exploring opportunities to transform postal services into a more efficient and financially sustainable operation.
Postmaster General S. R. W. M. R. P. Sathkumara noted that the Department currently operates through three main areas: financial services in partnership with banks and insurance institutions, traditional postal services, and parcel delivery, the PMD said.
He said parcel delivery holds significant potential in a growing market, with the Department currently serving an estimated 10–15% of the available market, adding that there is considerable scope to expand these services rapidly. He also stressed the need for reforms, including strengthening business decision-making capabilities and improving remuneration for staff engaged in revenue-generating services, noting that a study is currently underway in collaboration with the Treasury to explore such reforms.
Secretary to the President Dr Kumanayake observed that postal services worldwide have evolved alongside technological and economic developments, continuously adapting to remain relevant. He noted that while traditional postal services are gradually declining, new opportunities are emerging through e-commerce and internet-based parcel delivery.
He further pointed out that the opportunities arising from these new areas outweigh the decline in traditional postal operations, stressing the need to restructure the Department’s workforce and infrastructure to capitalise on them. Dr Kumanayake also highlighted the potential for the Department of Posts to expand national and international trade through digitalisation, noting that these developments have opened up new avenues for service delivery.
The post Presidential Secretariat holds preliminary talks on modernising Sri Lanka Post appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.
