Uni. Non Academic staff to reach a final decision on strike today

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The joint committee of university trade unions says, they will reach a final decision on on their trade union action today. Co-chairman of the committee Edward Malwattege said the the committee received a written response from the Government yesterday containing details of demands that have been met by the Government. Earlier yesterday (April 11) the Ministry of Higher Education ordered all striking non-academic staff to report to work before April 17. A joint communique issued by the Secretary to the ministry of Higher education and Highways and the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) noted that all non-academic staff members, who are on probationary, temporary, casual, substitute, training, service assignments or serving on a contract basis, will be considered as vacated the post if they do not report to work before 17 April. The Ministry further announced, permanent employees of all universities who do not report to work before April 17 and continue to be on strike, will be considered as on no-pay.