Sri Lanka’s Customs Trade Union Alliance has initiated a symbolic protest by requiring customs officers to report for duty wearing black armbands across all customs offices nationwide, beginning on February 24. The move comes after years of unresolved issues, particularly the delayed promotion of officers, which the union claims has been stalled for over six years.

Delayed Promotions and Unresolved Grievances

The union stated that despite multiple communications with the authorities, no concrete solutions have been provided to address the long-standing concerns. According to the alliance, the lack of resolution has led to frustration among officers, prompting the decision to escalate the issue through symbolic action.

The black armband protest is not a strike but a form of silent resistance aimed at drawing attention to the unresolved issues. The union emphasized that the action is meant to highlight the lack of progress on promotions and other service-related grievances, which they claim have been ignored by the government.

The issue of delayed promotions has been a persistent problem within the customs department. Officers have reportedly been waiting for years for their promotions, which are crucial for career progression and salary increments. The union claims that the backlog has created a sense of injustice and demoralization among the workforce.

Upcoming Discussions and Possible Further Action

A special discussion is scheduled for February 26, 2026, involving the Ministry of Finance, the Public Service Commission, and other relevant stakeholders. The union hopes this meeting will lead to a resolution of the outstanding issues and provide clarity on the promotion process.

Representatives of the Customs Trade Union Alliance are expected to meet the following day, February 27, to assess the outcome of the discussion and determine the next steps in their union activities. The union has not ruled out further actions if their demands are not met.

The protest has drawn attention from both the public and government officials, with some calling for a swift resolution to the matter. However, the government has yet to issue a formal response to the union’s demands.

According to the union’s statement, the black armband protest is a peaceful and non-disruptive measure aimed at drawing attention to the long-standing issues. The union has emphasized that it is open to dialogue and resolution through formal channels if the government is willing to address the concerns.

Impact on Trade and Public Services

The customs department plays a critical role in Sri Lanka’s trade and economy, handling the import and export of goods and collecting tariffs. Any disruption in its operations can have significant implications for businesses and the overall economy.

While the current protest is not expected to cause operational disruptions, the potential for further actions raises concerns among business leaders and trade experts. The prolonged delay in promotions could also affect the morale and efficiency of customs officers, potentially impacting the department’s performance.

Analysts warn that if the issue remains unresolved, it could lead to more severe actions, including strikes or other forms of protest that could disrupt trade operations. The government is under pressure to find a resolution before the scheduled meeting on February 26, 2026.

According to the union, the black armband protest is a clear message to the government that the issues cannot be ignored any longer. The union has called for transparency and accountability in the promotion process and urged the government to take immediate action.