The non-academic staff across several state universities in Sri Lanka launched a symbolic strike today. 

The University Trade Union Joint Committee (UTUJC) co-chairman, Mangala Dabarera, told the media that all non-academic staff of state universities refrained from reporting to duty. 

“The government has created several issues for non-academic staff through its budget proposals. Especially the reduction in its 20% allowance and overtime payments. They have also failed to increase the emergency loan as promised,” he said. 

Mangala Dabarera said the non-academic staff of state universities have been forced to launch a strike due to these reasons. 

He warned that if the government fails to resolve the issues within the next few days, they will be forced to launch a large-scale strike with the participation of other university trade unions.