Discussions to end the 10-week strike of non-academic staff in universities have gained partial success with the executive grade officers bringing their trade union action to an end, but other unions have decided to continue with the strike. The University Non-Academic Staff Union met with Education Minister Susil Premajayantha on Friday at the University Grants Commission in Colombo in a bid to resolve outstanding issues. UNASU President Dhammika S Priyantha told Education Times the meeting concluded with the minister agreeing to schedule a discussion with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the ongoing issues.

However, Minister Premajayantha told Parliament that, usually the President will not agree to a discussion with a group involved in a strike, but he would look into the possibility of arranging a meeting. Mr Priyantha claimed that their organisation comprises 39 other unions, including two executive grade unions: the Executive Grade Officers Union and the Association of Administrative and Finance Officers Union. He said only the Executive Grade Officers Union, which has 595 members, has decided to call off the strike.

He claimed this decision has had minimal impact on the overall strike, which is supported by over 15,000 members. Priyantha also said that some members of the Executive Grade Officers Union disagreed with the decision to call off the strike and are still participating in the protest. According to union regulations and the permission given by the constitution, employees are permitted to join two unions, allowing those dissatisfied with the decision to continue supporting the strike. The ongoing strike continues to significantly impact the lives of university students, with resolution still pending. (IB)