as a concerned citizen and on behalf of a significant number of small-scale entrepreneurs and individual exporters in Sri Lanka. Our purpose in reaching out is to draw your attention to the alarming issue of unconditionally increasing shipping(airmail & Sea) fees imposed by Sri Lankan Post on our small businesses, and to advocate for much-needed support and encouragement for the growth of the export sector in our country.

Small businesses play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka. They not only contribute to the national economy but also serve as a source of livelihood for countless individuals. However, the recent, unexplained increases in shipping fees imposed by the national postal service have placed a substantial burden on our businesses.

The challenges we face include:

Unjustifiable Price Increases: The sudden and unconditional price hikes in shipping fees have adversely impacted our profit margins, making it increasingly difficult for us to remain competitive in the international market.
A Deterrent to Export Growth: These exorbitant shipping costs act as a deterrent to potential exporters and hinder the expansion of existing businesses. As a result, our country is missing out on significant opportunities to increase its exports.
Currency Reserve Concerns: We acknowledge the importance of maintaining a stable foreign exchange reserve, especially during economic crises. However, we believe that there are alternative strategies to achieve this goal that do not burden small exporters disproportionately.
Need for Government Support: We urge the government to take measures that encourage exports, such as providing subsidies or incentives to offset the high shipping costs. Supporting small entrepreneurs will lead to economic growth and job creation, which is essential, especially during challenging times.
In light of these issues, we respectfully request the following:

Transparent Fee Structure: We ask for a transparent and reasonable fee structure for shipping services provided by Sri Lankan Post, one that considers the needs and challenges faced by small individual exporters.
Export-Friendly Policies: We urge the government to implement policies that promote and support small-scale exports, including financial assistance and incentives to reduce the financial strain on exporters.
Consultation with Stakeholders: We request the establishment of a platform for open dialogue between government authorities and small exporters to better understand the challenges we face and to collaboratively find solutions.
We believe that addressing these concerns will not only benefit small-scale exporters but also contribute to the overall economic growth and stability of Sri Lanka.

We, the undersigned, kindly request that you take our concerns into consideration and work towards a fair and sustainable solution for all stakeholders involved. We have initiated a petition on Change.org to gather support from the wider community, and we hope you will join us in our efforts to create a more conducive environment for small exporters in Sri Lanka.