• GN’s from across the island to arrive in Colombo today
• Alleges that Min. has ignored the TUs when drafting new constitution

Grama Niladhari officers from across the island have planned to stage a protest today (12) in front of the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry to continue their strike till tomorrow (13), it is learnt.

The Grama Niladhari officers stated that they will completely withdraw from all duties.

Through these trade union actions, they expect to express their opposition to the newly gazetted Grama Niladhari Service Constitution, which they say has been drafted and gazetted unilaterally and without taking into account the sentiments of Grama Niladhari officers.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, All-Island Freedom Grama Niladhari Union’s Secretary and Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance’s Convenor, Jagath Chandralal, further alleged that the ministry officials have ignored the Service Constitution Grama Niladhari unions drafted in collaboration with the ministry officials.

“The President, Prime Minister, and the State Minister have instructed ministry officials to resolve the issues surrounding the Service Constitution. However, they have gazetted a Service Constitution that will exacerbate service-related issues. It is the administrative officers (of the ministry) that cause these issues and do not allow the resolution of these issues,” he said, adding that Grama Niladhari officers from across the country will be taking part in the protest scheduled to be held in Colombo.

Grama Niladhari officers demand that the ministry officials withdraw the said Service Constitution and hold discussions with Grama Niladhari unions in order to redraft the Service Constitution in a manner that is amenable to all parties. They further said that unilateral actions taken by administrative offices at higher levels adversely affect and worsen the issues faced by administrative officers at lower levels.