Island-wide strike against SAITM begins

The island-wide strike launched by several trade unions in protest against the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) commenced at 8.00am today. 

The strike, spearheaded by the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA), is likely to cripple several services, according to trade unionists. 

While services at many state hospitals are likely to be affected, railway services are also likely to be hit as officials of two grades in the railway service are also going on strike in support of the GMOA's demands. 

While train services operated as normal early this morning, many trains scheduled after 8.00am would likely be cancelled, according to unions. 

Several teacher trade unions have also expressed support for today's strike and have urged teachers to take sick leave today. 

However, several trade unions, including the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) as well as trade unions from the Petroleum sector and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) are not taking part in the strike. 

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