Postmaster General S.R.W.M.R.P. Sathkumara informed all officers of the Postal Department in writing yesterday (21) that the Treasury has instructed not to release the August salary of employees who are absent from work without formal leave approval.
He further stated that those absent without proper leave will be considered as having left the service. Since all leave has been cancelled, postal employees have been instructed to report to work immediately and submit government-issued medical certificates if they are genuinely ill.
Commenting on the matter, Postmaster General Sathkumara said that although salaries were scheduled to be paid on the 25th, the Treasury has directed that those participating in the strike will not receive payment. Accordingly, he has formally notified the staff in writing.
In response, trade union representatives said that legal action will be taken against the Postmaster General if salaries are withheld. They also stressed that no decision has been made to call off the strike. Meanwhile, postal trade union leaders clarified that a letter circulating on social media, claiming the strike had been called off, was fabricated using forged signatures, and legal action will be pursued in that regard as well.
