A wave of protests has swept across the island of Sri Lanka today, with thousands demanding a stipend of 20,000 rupees or an increase in their salaries from the upcoming national budget. The demonstrations have been orchestrated by the State and Provincial Public Service Trade Unions, encompassing various essential service sectors such as Development Officers, Management Service Officers, Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi officers, Provincial and Local Government Services.

The agitations, held during the lunch hour at 12 noon today, signify the collective voice of numerous public sector employees who believe that their economic grievances need to be addressed urgently.

Ajith K. Thilakaratne, General Secretary of the State, Provincial Government, Government Trade Union Confederation, underlined that if their demands are not met within the framework of this year's budget, strike action will be taken after November 13, escalating the ongoing labor unrest.

Joseph Stalin, General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union, expressed concerns regarding the government's response to trade union protests. He suggested that the government's approach might be geared toward suppressing the trade unions' demands.

Simultaneously, public health inspectors across the nation have resolved to stage a professional strike today and tomorrow, October 31. Shanaka Bopitiyage, the secretary of the union, explained that this decision was spurred by the persistent failure of authorities to provide adequate solutions to their professional challenges.

The ongoing protests and labor actions have put pressure on the government, highlighting the need for comprehensive policies to address the financial concerns and job-related grievances of public sector workers.