Jan 27, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa will ceremonially begin the distribution of bicycles for 10,000 mail carriers at 4000 post offices islandwide.

Another 400 substitute postal workers will also receive letters from the President providing them permanent appointments. The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunication will give permanent appointments to 1507 substitute postmen in total.

Sri Lanka's postal service lacks many basic facilities such as bicycles to deliver mail and the service is always criticised for its delays.