The University Grants Commission (UGC) announced that the Ministry of Education has decided not to provide a salary increment for university non-academic staff in 2024. UGC Chairman, Prof. Sampath Amaratunge, received official notification of this decision on Thursday, June 13.

The decision will be communicated to all university vice-chancellors on Friday, June 14. Non-academic trade unions will be invited to discuss the matter with government representatives on Tuesday, June 18.

This announcement comes as non-academic staff have been on strike for 44 days, protesting issues including salary disparities. The strike has significantly disrupted activities across all state universities. The trade unions have vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met.