In the wake of the strike launched by the university non-academic staff unions, which has now continued for about two months, the Education Ministry sought more time to give a solution which has led the unions to continue their actions.

Following a meeting held yesterday (1 July) with the Education Minister Dr. Susil Premajayantha and the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the non-academics unions, the General Secretary of the University Executive Officers' Association (UEOA), Sampath Udayanga told The Daily Morning that the strike would continue as Dr. Premajayantha has requested additional time to develop a solution.

He expressed optimism about the discussions, saying, "He (Dr. Premajayantha) was optimistic about the issues. He accepted the documents that we handed over. He promised that he will be discussing the issues further with the Cabinet of Ministers and the relevant Government institutions to give an immediate solution for the issues." 

Udayanga also emphasised the urgency of resolving the issues, stating, "We have not been given the salary for two months. We have been treated quite differently from the other professions engaged in strikes. The strike has garnered significant support, with over 30 trade unions joining the action thus far. We hope that they (the authorities) will address the issues immediately. Until then, we will be striking."

Despite several attempts, Minister Dr. Premajayantha, the Secretary to the Education Ministry Thilaka Jayasundara, the UGC Chairperson Prof. Sampath Amaratunge and the Vice Chancellors of the Universities of Colombo and Kelaniya could not be reached for comment.