(UTV | COLOMBO) – The Joint Council for Professions of Supplementary Medicine says the government decision to make several services essential, is a violation of civil rights of the public.
Convener of the Council Ravi Kumudesh said the government has abolished the democratic rights of all unions involved in the strike action, by making certain services mostly centered around the health sector into essential services through a Gazette.
Kumudesh commented that they tried for three and a half months to hold talks with Health Ministry officials, but added that they failed to take action to address their grievances.
Convener of the Council Ravi Kumudesh said the strike action is a result of the inaction on the part of the Health Secretary despite repeated warnings of an impending strike.
He said the problems could have been solved practically, if officials did their duty correctly.
Instead Kumudesh stressed that an Extraordinary Gazette has been published to violate the rights of Trade Unions.
Kumudesh also recalled that despite media reports, they are yet to be informed of an injunction order issued by the Colombo District Court, against the strike action launched by health trade unions.
He said they are consulting lawyers at present, and will respond to the injunction when it is officially handed over to them.
The indefinite strike action launched by several trade unions in the health sector based on salary anomalies and several other demands is currently underway for the sixth day today.