Oct 05, Colombo: The trade union of the striking university academics of Sri Lanka, Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) is to engage in further discussions with government officials to find a solution to their struggle.

Deputy Chairman of the FUTA Venerable Dambara Amila Thero says that the Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa has extended an official invitation to the Association to discuss their demands.

The discussion between FUTA representatives and the Minister will be held Saturday, the Thero said.

According to FUTA, another discussion has been scheduled on Monday (08) with Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara.

Meanwhile a group of FUTA representatives has met with the Leader of Opposition Ranil Wickremasinghe today.

The strike, launched by the academics of Sri Lankan universities to demand, among others, a pay raise and an allocation of 6 percent of GDP for education sector, has now entered the fourth month.

Several rounds of discussions held between FUTA and government officials in various capacities have not been successful while the universities of the country remain open without any classes being conducted.

The strike has delayed the university admissions to the new batch of entrants while also delaying the graduation of senior batches in the universities.