Colombo (News 1st): Nurses attached to government hospitals across the country resorted to a trade union action by reporting sick. The trade union strike was launched by the Government Service United Nurses Union.

The trade union action that began today (March 26) is due to last for two days. Their demands include Rs. 10,000 accident allowance and to increase their uniform allowance to Rs. 25,000.

Patients who arrived for treatment at hospitals islandwide were left stranded as a result of the trade union action. The strike action was conducted at all departments except the emergency services at National Hospitals.

However, services were provided as usual at a number of hospitals. According to News 1st correspondent’s nurses attached to the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital and Chilaw General Hospital had reported to their respective duties today.

President of the Public Service United Nurses Union, Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera said the strike will not be carried out at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Apeksha Hospital Maharagama, De Soysa Hospital for Women and at special units.

• 9-hour statement from Deshabandu to CID; MPs Sanath Nishantha & Milan Jayathilake to be produced in court
• Salary issue halts decision on ONLY essential services to report to work
• 65,000 MT of Urea to reach Sri Lanka in June
• CID to record statements from 7 MPs on Wednesday (18) regarding attacks on GotaGoGama and MynaGoGama
• Tragic motor accident kills three in Kopai