Post-haste for business

By Nadia Fazlulhaq

The Postal Department has decided to increase its charges on certain items while introducing a business mail system promising a better service for the business community.

However, with the increased charges for registered mail and parcels, the general public will have an added burden to bear.
The increased charges came into effect from last Friday.

Postmaster General K. A. S. Senadheera said the high cost of transport, stationery, increased salary payments and maintenance costs have led to the increase in charges.

“Last time the price increase for postal services took place in 2004. We have now focused on the business community more than the ordinary people”, he said.

According to Mr. Senadheera the business mail, which will cost Rs. 15 compared to Rs. 5 for ordinary mail, will be assured of high quality service and fast delivery. An open business letter will cost Rs.12.

“Even though the delivery is done in the same way as for ordinary mail, the processing stage is accelerated. The pre-sorting and separation is done in a very effective manner and we hope to deliver the business mail on the same day it was posted,” he said.

He said that till last Friday business letters were sent with ordinary mail and the business community paid the same postal charges as the public.

The price increase for parcels has been significant. The fixed cost for parcels has been increased from Rs. 10 to Rs.20 and the cost for the first 250g has been increased from Rs. 5 to Rs. 50.“Usually private parcel delivery companies charge a higher price, so this increase is fair”, he said.

Registered mail fees has also gone up from Rs. 15 to Rs. 25. Others, which the prices have increased, are Acknowledge receipt from Rs. 15 to Rs.30, Certificated copy of the receipt of registered post from Rs. 15 to Rs.25, certificate of post from Rs. 15 to Rs.20, demurrage fees from Rs.25 to Rs.40.