The party says in a statement that political, professional and trade organizations are vehemently opposed to the pact.

According to government sources, the agreement will be signed in two stages, the first in February and the other in June.

Meanwhile, prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said at Sirikotha yesterday (18) the government entered into trade agreements with other countries as per the mandate it had received at last elections.

However, the JHU says an in-depth study should be undertaken into the pros and cons as well as economic impacts of agreements signed with other countries.

It is compulsory that a dialogue takes place and experts in the relevant field as well as professional organizations and political representatives are consulted before entering into agreements of this nature, it adds in the statement.