Unions of traders associations have decided to close their business, raise black flags and get on to the stree to protest against the proposed VAT amendment to be presented and taken up for debate on 11th August 2016 by finance minister Ravi Karunanayke in breach of a promise given them by president Maithripala Sirisena at a meeting with them on July 04..
The TUs will also handover a written petition to all MPs, asking them not to support the VAT amendment act.
Meanwhile, the SLFP is divided over the VAT amendment act.
Minister Sarath Amunugama said at a media briefing in Kandy yesterday that they would support the amendment.
However, following a public rally in Badulla, SLFP spokesman, state minister Dilan Perera told the media that the party has taken no such decision.
SLFP ministers are opposed to the passage of the amendment in its present form, Perera said.
A SLFP MPs’ committee comprised of Susil Premajayantha, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Sarath Amunugama, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Lasantha Alagiyawanna will meet this afternoon with the intention of discussing changes to the amendment act.
General secretaries of the UPFA and the SLFP Mahinda Amaraweera and Duminda Dissanayake will also join the discussion.
