However, after gaining independence, it becomes one of the social services of the country. Later on Telecommunication service also introduced and the department functions under the name of Posts & telecommunication department. At the time, forming an organization to deal with the administration on behalf of workers? However due to results of dedication of certain workers Postmasters Association wa
s formed under the leadership of Brother A. Sampanthan in 1945. Postmasters union which was started in 1945 was merged with Telecommunication service union and established Union of Posts & Telecommunication Officers in 1961. Since, its inception up to now the union has been functioned as one of the powerful major trade union of the country. It is for-front of trade union movement in the country with its strength of membership, long-standing existence and finance. It is committed to protect and safeguard both membership as well as the service. At present membership is over 4000 under 27 branches. Union of Posts & Telecommunication Officers or popularly known as UPTO is one of the gigantic long standing trade unions in our country which links to Union Network International (UNI) a recognized world trade union body and owns five stories building at the heart of Colombo city. Our first trade union action was in 1947 to force the administration to re-instate then Hon. General Secretary Bro. A.Sampanthan indicted due to taking part at trade union rally organized by clerical union. Union of Posts & Telecommunication Officers or UPTO is governed according to the constitution of its own which passed at the Annual General Meeting by the majority of membership. We observe, in time to time the amendments were done with current day needs. The governing body or Council of Management consists of 58 elected members including branch secretaries. The committee elected at the Annual Conference of Delegates conducts each year. For easy administration the union has established 27 branches to cover entire country. At present the union is march forward under the leadership of Brother H.K.kariyawasam, Hon. General Secretary and Brother Shantha Kumara Meegama, president. Harindra Weliwita serves as Hon. Treasurer
