• Claims Cabinet nod for salary hike was given long ago, questions rollout timeline
• Charges that Service Constitution sans their input is being pushed into legislation

Despite the Government’s plans aimed at resolving the issues faced by Grama Niladhari officers, they remain determined to continue the ongoing trade union action until such plans materialise.

The Grama Niladhari have expressed doubts about the implementation of the Government’s proposed plans for them.

Commenting of the Government’s recent claim that the Cabinet approval has been granted to increase the officers’ salaries and allowances, All-Island Freedom Grama Niladhari Union’s Secretary and Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance’s Convenor, Jagath Chandralal, told the Daily Morning: “We cannot accept that answer. The Cabinet decision to give us (the said salary increases) was taken a long time ago. We have resorted to trade union action because those increased amounts are not being given.”

Recently, it was reported that Cabinet approval has been granted to increase the salaries and allowances of more than 13,000 Grama Niladhari officers. Quoting Home Affairs State Minister Ashoka Priyantha, media outlets further reported that the draft of the Service Constitution has been submitted for the approval of the Public Service Commission in order to establish the Sri Lanka Grama Niladhari Service.

Chandralal expressed concerns about the abovementioned Service Constitution: “There is a Service Constitution that was agreed upon by the subject ministry and trade unions. However, they tried to pass a Service Constitution which was not formed with the involvement of Grama Niladhari officers. We are against it. Their claims that allowances are being increased are aimed at misleading the people.”

He pointed out that another concern relating to the implementation of the government’s plans is the date of implementation. Adding that these plans are said to materialise through the next budget, he urged the authorities to provide at least a portion of the increased salaries and allowances, or another form of temporary payment, until the salary and allowance increase is implemented.

At present, Grama Niladhari officers’ trade union action involves working to rule, which is being implemented across the island. The officers’ associations are to meet today (27) to decide on their future course of action.