The 2009/2010 batch of Grama Niladharis has temporarily called off its planned silent protest after receiving assurances from the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Aloka Bandara, that a definitive solution will be provided to their longstanding grade-related issues.

The silent protest had been scheduled to take place on 3 March in front of the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Government, citing the absence of a concrete resolution to the matter.

The 2009/2010 Grama Niladhari Collective stated that the decision to suspend the protest was taken following discussions between representatives of all trade unions representing the batch and senior ministry officials. The meeting was attended by the Ministry Secretary, the Additional Secretary (Home Affairs), the Additional Secretary (Grama Niladhari Administration), the Director of Establishments, and other ministry officials.

According to the Collective, the Ministry Secretary informed them during the discussion that consultations would be held with the subject Minister and that a written solution would be provided within the coming week.

Media Secretary of the 2009/2010 Grama Niladhari Collective, Kumudu Wadumulla, said that in view of this assurance, the silent protest scheduled for 3 March has been temporarily cancelled.

However, he warned that if a solution is not provided within the stipulated timeframe, the group would launch a large-scale protest campaign and initiate strong trade union action on 16 March in place of the previously planned silent demonstration.

The Collective further noted that although discussions had been ongoing for some time, the Ministry had agreed to hold the latest meeting with trade union representatives only after media reports highlighted the planned protest. The 2009/2010 batch represents approximately 25% of the total Grama Niladhari workforce.