CEPA will affect local industry, says Anura Kumara

Even Parliament is not aware of the contents of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Sri Lanka and Indiawhich is to be signed, claimed Democratic National Alliance member Anura Kumara Dissanayake while speaking in parliament this morning.

Speaking during the presentation of the budget this morning, Mr. Dissanayake pointed out that there would be severe economic fallout for the country if this agreement was signed. He said it would result in the breakdown of local industry and unemployment will soar due to the tax concessions provided for the services sector through CEPA.

Replying to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen said that no final decision has been taken yet by the government to sign the CEPA trade agreement.

Joining the debate, United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera pointed out that the reply for Mr. Dissanayake’s question should be answered by the Trade Minister and not by Minister Bathiudeen.

Cooling down the rising tempers, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa stepped in and pointed out that any Cabinet Minister could answer questions posed to the House.