They will raise black flags, close their businesses and take to the streets in protest.

The TUs will also handover a written petition to all MPs, asking them not to support the VAT amendment act.

They say the act is to be tabled in parliament on August 11 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 say their protest has no political affiliations.

SLFP is divided

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 will meet this afternoon with the intention of discussing changes to the amendment act.

Meeting to discuss changes

The committee comprises Susil Premajayantha, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Sarath Amunugama, Nimal Siripala de Silva and Lasantha Alagiyawanna.

General secretaries of the UPFA and the SLFP Mahinda Amaraweera and Duminda Dissanayake will also join the discussion.