Posts Department to explore PPP model to acquire required office spaces

The Cabinet cleared the path for the Sri Lanka Posts Department to secure the required office infrastructure by implementing multi-purpose projects on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis within the lands allocated for the department, while reducing its burden on the state coffers.

Co-Cabinet Spokesperson and Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma sought the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for the proposal on Monday.

He noted that the Sri Lanka Posts Department is comprised of a network of 654 main posts offices and 3,410 sub post offices, whereas 154 out of the said 654 main posts offices are operated in private buildings on lease. As a result, he highlighted that the department is forced to rely on Treasury funds of around Rs.400 million per month to maintain its operations. 

Although plots of land have been allocated in several provinces for the construction of post office buildings, the proposed construction of buildings hasn’t taken place, due to lack of funds.

Alahapperuma remarked that these PPP projects would be rolled out with the support of the Urban Development Authority.

According to him, already there’s a proposal to build a multi-purpose 14-story building complex on a PPP basis, which would provide the department with a 40,000 square meter office space, in addition to residential spaces for some of the postal workers.

In addition to providing the necessary office infrastructure, these proposed projects are also expected to provide additional revenue streams to the department. 

Alahapperuma highlighted the Posts Department’s role in distributing medicine to the public during the lockdown periods.