Trade unions of the government, semi-government and private sector employees have decided to launch a general strike from midnight today, the co-convenor of a collective of government, semi-government and private sector trade unions Saman Rathnapriya told media yesterday.

They have taken this decision following unsuccessful discussions with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe over their grievances regarding the budget.

The trade unions are expected to meet today in last minute discussions over the matter.

Both the private bus owners and railway workers plan to launch the strike on midnight, severely affecting the public transport sector. Other trade unions who plan to take part in the strike action will commence their strikes from the morning.

However, the trade unions have not ruled out a last minute agreement. At this juncture, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe is expected to deliver a special statement in the Parliament on the dispute.