The Telegram Service with a 150-year-old history came to an end today and was replaced by the Tele -Mail service.

The Telegram Service which brings back nostalgic memories of a different kind of ‘short message service’ was taken over by the Sri Lanka Telecom Ltd, the successor to the Telecommunications Department with the Postal Department being responsible only for the delivery of telegrams.

Postmaster General Rohana Abeyratne said the Telegram Service had ceased to function with immediate effect and that the Tele-Mail service first  introduced in 2000, was now available at all post offices in the country. He said the telegram service which was incurring losses had to be replaced to avoid further losses. Mr. Abeyratne said the telegram service had lost its glamour and was not much in demand.

Post and Telecommunications Minister Jeewan Kumaratunga said the Tele-Mail system would provide a better service to the people and that public servants would be able to use it to request leave of absence with documentary proof in case of an emergency.

He said steps would be taken to avoid technical defects and improved in consultation with the public.

Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)