Colombo, Sri Lanka – 25 August 2026 – The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the efficiency and modernization of the Department of Posts, addressing critical issues ranging from financial mismanagement to the expansion of digital services. The comprehensive review took place recently, on August 20, at Parliament, under the chairmanship of Hon. Member of Parliament Kabir Hashim.
The meeting served as a follow-up to previous COPA recommendations issued on April 7, 2026, and delved into the current operational performance of the Department of Posts. A key area of concern highlighted was the slow progress of investigations into financial fraud and disciplinary violations that have reportedly occurred within the Department between 2004 and 2025.
Expediting Investigations and Strengthening Controls
COPA revealed that a new computerized software system has been implemented to streamline the investigation process, allowing for better tracking and progress monitoring of investigation files. Despite this technological advancement, the Committee stressed the urgent need to expedite these investigations, particularly by prioritizing significant financial fraud cases and serious disciplinary violations over prolonged inquiries into minor incidents.
Discussions also brought to light several impediments to justice, including cases remaining unresolved for many years, the disappearance or demise of individuals facing allegations, and delays in legal action. Furthermore, the investigation division is grappling with a shortage of human resources. In response, COPA issued firm instructions to complete investigations and disciplinary proceedings against officers accused of financial misconduct within specified timeframes. Measures to recover losses from responsible parties post-investigation were also mandated.
Beyond individual cases, the Committee underscored the imperative to strengthen financial management and internal control mechanisms across the entire Department of Posts, aiming to prevent future lapses and enhance overall accountability.
Optimizing Human Resources and Overtime Management
The management of overtime payments within the Department of Posts was another crucial point of discussion. Officials informed COPA that steps are underway to introduce an “Optimum Cadre,” which defines the ideal number of employees based on a comprehensive work study conducted by the Department of Management Services. This study covers all nine provinces and the Central Mail Exchange.
To ensure accuracy and transparency in overtime payments, fingerprint machines have been deployed for employee attendance verification. The Department plans to leverage this data to further streamline and rationalize the disbursement of overtime allowances, fostering a more efficient and equitable system.
Driving Modernization and Digital Transformation
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the modernization and digitalization of postal services in Sri Lanka. Plans discussed included the expansion of value-added services such as Speed Post, Cash on Delivery, and International Courier. Furthermore, the Department aims to digitalize postal banking services and increase its revenue streams through the adoption of new technologies, aligning with global trends in postal service innovation.
Amidst talks of restructuring, COPA also emphasized the critical importance of maintaining sub-post offices in difficult-to-reach areas. These offices provide essential services to the public, and the Committee stressed that their closure, as part of any network restructuring, must be carefully considered to ensure continued accessibility for citizens.
The pivotal meeting saw the participation of Committee member and Hon. Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage, alongside Hon. Members of Parliament Chanaka Madugoda, Oshani Umanga, Attorney-at-Law Sagarika Athauda, Manjula Suraweera Arachchi, Chandana Sooriyaarachchi, Ajanta Gammaddege, Lal Premanath, Ruwanthilaka Jayakody, and Sunil Ratnasiri, highlighting a collective parliamentary commitment to reforming and revitalizing Sri Lanka’s postal services.
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