Hambantota shops closure to Register their Protest Against VAT

The VAT was increased from 11% to 15% with effect from May 02, 2016. To register their protest against recent VAT upward revision,  many shop owners in Hambantota closed their shops today (07).  Daily business activities in Hambantota has been affected with the closure of most shops. A protest march is being  organised by the traders this afternoon. Several protests were  staged in the recent past in  other parts of the country including in Kiribathgoda, Kadawatha, Kelaniya, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Bandarawela and Katugastota . Although the President said that he knew the sufferings of  people due to increase in VAT and called for a meeting with the Prime Minister and other important Ministers on Monday (4) , only committees were appointed without granting  immediate relief to people. Adding fuel to fire sick  people who go to medical institutions for medical /laboratory checks are the worst affected group.