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Varsity non-academic staff call off strike
The 18 day-long strike of the University non-academic staff was called off yesterday after a meeting between government officials, chaired by Education Minister Karunasena Kodituwakku and trade union representatives.

Dr. Kodituwakku told The Sunday Times that an agreement was reached at the meeting to provide immediate relief to the non-academic staff while certain matters would be referred to an arbitrator for a settlement. Dr. Kodituwakku said it had been agreed to add Rs. 150 per month to the salaries of selected grades until a pay hike is granted.

He said the issue of the three increments demanded by the non-academic staff would be referred to an arbitrator appointed by the Labour Commissioner, since the matter is controversial.

Meanwhile the Vice Chancellor of the Sri Jayawardhanapura University Dr. D.S. Epitawatte said he was willing to reopen the university within the course of next week, if the non-academic staff were available for duty.

However, he said that as a result of the strike, external examinations as well as the intake of students would be delayed.

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