PM questions basis for opposing yet undrafted trade agreement

PM questions basis for opposing yet undrafted trade agreement

February 23, 2016   07:02 pm

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says people should have not needlessly fear the proposed trade agreement with India as it will only increase the number of job opportunities for Sri Lankans. 

“Look closely at Sri Lanka’s business history. Are there any businesses which fell apart due to foreign and local competition? Apart from a very few, there are only businesses that flourished in the face of foreign and local competition,” he said.

Delivering a special statement in Parliament regarding the Indo-Lanka Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), he said that people should not needlessly fear the agreements that the government is preparing to sign with foreign nations. 

“We are doing all this for the country. For the future of the country. We can no longer stay like frogs in a well. We have to move forward fast with the world which is traveling at a fast pace. The world should be viewed with a broad mind.”  

The PM stated that several groups are spreading incorrect opinions regarding the proposed trade agreement with Indi, which has not even been drafted yet. 

We cannot comprehend the basis for opposing an undrafted agreement which is still on a discussion level, Wickremesinghe said. 

He stated that the new agreement will only create more job opportunities for Sri Lankans, protect their job opportunities and broaden the space to achieve higher wages. 

“We will do anything unless you can get a consensus and how to approach this manner and what is the step by step measure we should take,” he added. 

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

President stresses effective use of Rs. 1,400 bln capital allocation in 2025 budget (English)

President stresses effective use of Rs. 1,400 bln capital allocation in 2025 budget (English)

President says US tariff cut achieved through talks, further reductions sought (English)

Engine fuel supply was cut just before Air India jet crash, preliminary report says (English)

Colombo HC sentences three persons to 20 years RI over Rs. 3.9 bln VAT fraud (English)

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin 6.55 pm

🔴LIVE | Ada Derana Midday Prime News Bulletin - 2025.07.12

President announces plans to recruit 30,000 public servants after five-year gap (English)

Mattala Airport still years away from being flight-ready – Minister (English)