Grama Niladharis to Launch Islandwide Sick-Leave Protest Over Travel Allowance
August 09, Colombo (LNW): Grama Niladhari officers across Sri Lanka are set to engage in a two-day trade union action tomorrow (10) and Tuesday (11), citing the Government’s failure to revise their travel allowance and address several other outstanding demands.
The decision was announced by Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance Chairman Nandana Ranasinghe at a media briefing in Colombo.
Ranasinghe said the current travel allowance of Rs. 600 has remained unchanged for nearly eight years, despite rising transport and fuel costs. He argued that the existing payment no longer adequately covers the expenses incurred by officers who travel extensively in the course of their duties.
Cabinet approval was reportedly granted in 2024 to replace the fixed allowance with a payment linked to the cost of 20 litres of fuel. However, the union claims that the approved revision has yet to be implemented.
As a result, Grama Niladharis will report sick and refrain from attending work for two consecutive days as a form of protest, according to the union leadership.
The action is expected to affect Grama Niladhari services islandwide, potentially disrupting routine administrative work and public services handled through local officers.
The union has called for the authorities to honour the earlier decision and take steps to resolve the allowance issue, along with its other outstanding demands.
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