Sri Lanka, Jan. 28 -- The hunger strike launched by School Development Officers in front of the Presidential Secretariat, demanding permanency in the teaching service, entered its second consecutive day today (28).

The protest, which began on Monday afternoon, escalated after a failed discussion between union representatives and the President's Director General of Public Relations, Dharmasiri Gamage.

Tensions rose yesterday morning (27) when protesters attempted to burn a mock coffin at the site, leading to a heated confrontation with police officers stationed at the scene.

Medical concerns were also reported yesterday when a female development officer participating in the fast suddenly fell ill.

She was rushed to the Colombo National...