As the Marxist party Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) backed Government Nursing Officers' Association (GNOA) called a sick note protest campaign on Wednesday for their demands, the Ministry cancelled leave for all nurses.
The sick note campaign paralyzed the services of many of the hospitals island wide.
GNOA Chairman Saman Rathnapriya issuing a statement said today that the Ministry action was illegal and against to what the government has agreed in international treaties.
The Secretary of the Association said the government action is to frighten the people joining the union action.
Rathnapriya urged the Health Ministry to discuss with the unions and solve the issue. GNOA further vowed to launch a country wide strike from November 11 unless the Ministry takes measures to solve the nurses' problems.
However, the Public Service United Nurses Union (PSUNU) says they are not supporting the trade union action.
Chairman of the PSUNU Venerable Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera said they had discussions with the President to resolve matters regarding the nurses' charter and the President has directed the Treasury Secretary to solve the problem.
The Thera points out there is no need to be engaged in a trade union action at this moment since the government has already taken measures to address the nurses' grievances.
Political observers say the Marxist JVP which is limited to five seats in the parliament is using its union influence to strengthen the opposition to the government by stirring up unrest.
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