Grama Niladharis on warpath, threaten strike

by Chaminda Silva and Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon

Grama Niladharis (GNs) are scheduled to launch a protest week from today (12) with a two-day strike action on the cards.

Co-President of the GN’s Alliance Nandana Ranasinghe told The Island yesterday that Grama Niladharis countrywide would withdraw from duties on August 12 (Monday) and August 13 (Tuesday).

Black flags would be hoisted opposite the GN offices countrywide during the week as a sign of protest against the government’s failure to address the problems related to their profession, Ranasinghe said.

He said the Cabinet had approved a specified salary scheme for Grama Niladhari officers, but the government was delaying its implementation. The GNs only receive a monthly allowance of around Rs. 600 to carry out duties in the village, and the State Minister of Public Administration had appointed an allowance committee to look into the matter. “Seven months have passed since the committee submitted

recommendations to the subject Minister, but the government is yet to implement the recommendations,” Ranasinghe said, adding that they were also against the arbitrary gazetting of the Grama Niladhari Service minute.

The association is scheduled to lodge a complaint at the Human Rights Commission against the gazette this morning.