Postal services to be modernized with Treasury help- PMG

The Postal Department will prepare a budget to obtain financial assistance from the Treasury to modernise postal services and upgrade its facilities Post Master General Shervyn Senadheera told the Sunday Observer.

He said postal services across the globe have moved into financial transactions, banking services, logistics and other value added services meeting customer expectations as a one-stop shop.

"Postal services are no more limited to delivering letters and selling stamps. Services that fulfil wider customer needs in a professional manner are necessary today" he said.

Senadheera said it is important to train employees in human resource development, IT, marketing skills, business development and customer services which will help them widen their knowledge and develop skills.

The post office is the hub in the village for transactions and other vital services. A change of attitude and efficiency in delivering services is what is needed. Most employees act as government officers and not as marketing officers. If the postal department is profit making then there will be revenue to provide customers more services.

Lack of communication technology and IT facilities in the postal department are the major obstacles to provide a better service to the people.

He said building network facilities, improving the technology and providing agency services over the counter are some of the key services that will bring additional revenue to the department.

"The expenditure of the postal department is very high.

There is a considerable wastage of funds which needs to be curtailed by monitoring the work of employees and granting benefits based on performance.

Providing financial services, banking agency services, insurance and third party bill payments are strategic measures to increase profits", the Post Master General said.

The Postal Department has taken measures to address the salary anomalies, promotions and malparctices following the postal trade union demands.

The Department which was set up in 1798 has 20,000 employees, 637 post offices and 3,500 sub post offices. Over 7,000 postmen carry out a major task.

LF