The UNP-JVP-led trade union alliance was confident that its three-day go-slow due to commence today would hamper the day to day activities of the people. The warring unions held the government responsible for the hindrance since their due salary increases had been denied. But the government was confident that it could deal an effective blow to the union alliance since the UPFA led unions were strong enough to maintain an effective service in the four targeted sectors while the armed forces stood by to chip in case of an emergency.

Meanwhile, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the army had troops standing by and would deploy them in any sector where the TU action was planned, if the government issued an order to that effect.

UNP and JVP trade unions in the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Ceylon Electricity Board, Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Ports Authority were poised for the go-slow.

Spokesman for the Joint Trade Union Alliance Upali Ratnayake attached to the Water Supply and Drainage Board said their trade action was not aimed at sabotage but making the government heed their legitimate demand. "We will not respond to any breakdowns nor will work overtime," Ratnayake said.

Last minute talks held between Petroleum Corporation trade union representatives and Treasury Secretary P. B. Jayasundera on Monday ended in a stalemate. Unions warned that if the government failed to respond positively to their salary demand, there would be a strike.

Police spokesman senior DIG Nimal Mediwake said that they would not interfere with union members’ protest but keep an eye on saboteurs and those who attempted to prevent workers from carrying out their legitimate duties.

Trade Union Alliance sources said that the military could not perform the duties of those in the CPC, CEB, NWSDB and the Ports Authority. "They may be able to perform some sort of work but not the specialised duties in all these sectors", Alliance sources said.

Ceylon Electricity Board Joint Trade Union Front General Secretary Ranjan Jayalal said that around 14,500 CEB workers would participate in the work to rule. Commenting on the possible deployment of the military, Jayalal said if they wanted they could attend to breakdowns which his alliance members would not attend to.

He said that they would not give up their TU action until Government granted them the 40 per cent salary hike due. He said they had already rejected a 22 per cent salary hike the Government was willing to grant.

Meanwhile, pro-Government trade union members in their thousands gathered near the Fort Railway Station last afternoon headed by veteran SLFP trade union leader Alavi Moulana and shouted slogans against the organisers’s of today’s go-slow.

Due to the large gathering on Olcott Mawatha opposite the Fort Railway Station roads were blocked for a few hours.