State Minister of Higher Education Dr. Suren Raghavan says that the government intends to engage in discussions with the university non-academic staff trade unions currently on strike over various demands.

“Discussions with the union leaders currently on strike are scheduled for next Monday. We hope to reach a mutually agreeable solution,” he said.

Addressing a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on Friday (31), State Minister Raghavan emphasized that the government, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, is committed to finding the best possible resolution.

He stressed that the ongoing strike is causing a direct financial loss of around Rs. 150 million and wasting 1.8 million man-hours. “Therefore, our government must not waste any more time.”

The state minister also explained that in order to meet the demands of the trade unions, including a salary increase, around Rs. 1.1 billion will be needed for the next six months. 

Raghavan said he has requested a report on this matter, and that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Finance and the Treasury to find solutions, the President’s Media Division reported.

The State Minister further said:

“University non-academic staff is currently on strike, which is unfortunate as it impacts the future generation of students. The strike is causing a direct financial loss of around Rs. 150 million and wasting of 1.8 million man hours. Therefore, our government must not waste any more time.

To meet the demands of the trade unions, including a salary increase, Rs. 1.1 billion are needed for the next six months. I have requested a report on this matter, and discussions are underway with the Ministry of Finance and the Treasury to find solutions.

Discussions with the union leaders currently on strike are scheduled for next Monday. We hope to reach a mutually agreeable solution. President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the government are committed to providing the best resolution.

Additionally, higher education in this country needs to evolve. At the recent Global Higher Education Summit, it was clear that many countries believe the higher education system must adapt to modern changes. I believe we should follow this direction.

Legislation to establish the National Higher Education Development Commission is being prepared. Our goal is to develop our higher education system so that students can pursue advanced studies without needing to go abroad.”