Post and Telecommunications Minister Mahinda Wijesekera yesterday warned of tough measures against employees engaging in sabotage during the strike to cripple operations.

Speaking to trade unionists and journalists yesterday he said employees certainly have the right to strike.

But despite the genuine requests by the employees on the cost of living, there were attempts by political parties to make the strike political and topple the Government.

He urged the trade unions of the Postal Department not to take part in the proposed strike on July 10. "If anyone wants to be a part of the proposed strike he could go ahead but give the keys to others who attend work. I don't want to hear of no stamps, or that a department is closed."

He assured better pay hikes by the end of this year to employees and said what he wanted was their support in order that an increment of 3,000 rupees or 5,000 or even a bonus, can be given.

He said that if possible he would speak to his former colleagues – JVP to stop strike action. The JVP, a party that helped to form the Government is very angry with the Government for taking a significant number of UNPers to its fold, he said.