July 18, Colombo: The trade union coalition of the Sri Lanka Postal Department says that a price revision is necessary for the Postal Department to function without being a burden to the government.

The media spokesman of the postal trade union coalition Chinthaka Bandara said that the services of the Postal Department are undervalued in fares.

He pointed out that the postage for a normal letter is five rupees whilst the actual cost for it Rs. 17. A registered letter costs more than Rs. 100 while mere Rs. 30 is charged for it. A telegram is charged a nominal amount while delivering it costs around Rs. 250 for the Postal Department.

He also pointed out that the joint venture of the state-owned National Savings Bank with the Postal Department also incurs expenses around Rs. 300 million per year to the department.