Govt. in final stage of formulating ECTA: PM

23 April 2016 01:46 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While assuring that the government was planning to work towards regaining GSP Plus in the same manner as they did to lift the EU fish ban on Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said today the government was in the final stage of formulating the ECTA Agreement with India.

“We plan to work towards regaining GSP Plus in the same manner and are in the process of assuring the international community that Sri Lanka abides by norms and standards expected of a democratic nation. We plan to enter into several bilateral agreements that will empower the economy and drive the country forward,” he said.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said the government was in the final stage of formulating the ECTA Agreement with India and added that it was also reviewing the FTA with China.

“Additionally, we are looking at entering into such partnerships with Singapore, Turkey, USA and Pakistan,” he said.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said the main reason why the fish ban was issued in the first instance was the inability of the previous Government to honour international agreements and mechanisms Sri Lanka was party to.

“Instead of abiding by these agreements, the Rajapakse Regime preferred to encourage illegal fishing activities, resulting in Sri Lanka becoming isolated and internationally condemned,” he said in a statement.

“At the time, we raised this issue many times in Parliament but the Rajapakse Regime took no note. When international and regional associations brought the issue of illegal and unregulated fishing to the notice of the then Government, instead of heeding such warnings, the Rajapakse Regime chose to issue verbal challenges and empty threats. Not stopping that, they continued to deceive the people by engaging in right sounding banter about not giving into any foreign country even in the face of starvation,” Prime Minister further said in his statement.

Mr. Wickremesinghe said EU’s fish ban on Sri Lanka, resulted in a colossal loss of valued foreign exchange to the country and added that Sri Lanka also lost the GSP Plus facility, which saw a considerable number of garment factories close down and thousands losing their jobs.

He said the government’s end goal was the creation and sustenance of a dynamic and thriving economic hub that would generate thousands of jobs.

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Comments - 20

Sharon Sunday, 24 April 2016 10:19 AM

Are all these Great achievements at the cost of North and East via DM iOS App

JOE Monday, 25 April 2016 01:11 PM

what about the ETCA with China ?

manu Monday, 25 April 2016 12:05 PM

First do the partnerships with Singapore, Turkey, USA and Pakistan then with India. Because thee countries will not interfere in the SL affairs.

mau Monday, 25 April 2016 11:55 AM

He doesn't care whatever happens to SL. He is not a Sinha Sri Lankan.

Dalit Sunday, 24 April 2016 06:38 PM

50m jobless indians will be happy.

sss Sunday, 24 April 2016 05:48 PM

meaning giving another string to the puppet masters which is alright with Ranil the colombian

Yaha Pa Lanuwa Sunday, 24 April 2016 05:09 PM

The North goes to the Tamils and the local businesses go to Indians. What else do we want?

Riaz Sunday, 24 April 2016 04:39 PM

Good move. Sri Lanka must make India happy if we are to develop Sri Lanka. via DM Android App

MP for SLFP Sunday, 24 April 2016 02:37 PM

Final or initial stage, explain it clearly to Sri Lanka's citizens!

Vignes Sunday, 24 April 2016 01:39 PM

In India wages getting high so good for Sri Lankaan student in long term.

Jayantha Saturday, 23 April 2016 02:35 PM

Hope this will not land the Govt also in final stage

Sharon Sunday, 24 April 2016 08:26 AM

Yes. The fish ban was removed. You can boast about it. But how about the economy First get your priorities right. via DM iOS App

Roger Saturday, 23 April 2016 10:08 PM

Why is the government so keen on seeing this through when most local businesses and professionals are wary of it We have not heard one convincing argument on the benefits of this pact from responsible person in the government. via DM Android App

Aba Jayasekera Saturday, 23 April 2016 08:08 PM

Drafting the agreement is O.K. but we must give no room for them to enter into Sri Lanka and making it one of their states like Sikkim.

ibadun Saturday, 23 April 2016 08:01 PM

everyone want to have their piece on dieying economy via DM Android App

ravin Saturday, 23 April 2016 05:30 PM

sri lanka is a small country if we give our places to indians what will happen to the sri lankan graduates. This is the simple logic we want the answer for ?

vithura Saturday, 23 April 2016 05:00 PM

We must forge ahead step by step rebuilding our relationships with the international community and transform the democratic governance system in line with international norms, rule of law, transparency and accountability, with the resolve that never should we allow the likes of MR regime to deceive and destroy the country to serve their own interest.

YAMAYA Saturday, 23 April 2016 04:09 PM

He is asking more trubole

brainmaster Saturday, 23 April 2016 04:03 PM

Good speech. Good action.

Priyan Saturday, 23 April 2016 02:50 PM

Nice. Lovely democracy we got after January 08th! ECTA is in the final stages while we are yet to see it. wenasa sapaaai.

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Govt. in final stage of formulating ECTA: PM

Comments - 20

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