Shortage of postcards at post offices

There is a severe shortage of postcards at main and sub-post offices in the island. When contacted on the issue Minister of Posts and Telecommunication Jeevan Kumaratunga said that the shortage is due to printing of election material and pledged that steps will be taken to address the problem.

Postcards are used to convey short messages and are still a popular mode of communication despite advancements made in telecommunication.

"Adequate stocks will be printed and released to all main and sub-post offices as early as possible", the Minister said.

Postcards were not available in stationery shops, sub-post offices and even in main post offices throughout the country for a considerable time.

Minister Kumaratunga said that plans have been drawn to revamp the postal services to ensure convenience and speedy delivery of letters.

"The networking of all post offices will be completed within the next two to three months and thereafter people will have access to Internet and e-mail communication through them", he said.

Around 3,900 sub-post offices and 645 main post offices are operated by the Postal Department under the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication.

The Ministry will launch the Track and Trace program within the next two months to address the delay and misplacement of letters in sub-post offices.

Lack of facilities, trained personnel and an effective method of communication have resulted in delays in postal delivery services and the public losing confidence in postal services. - LF