Govt. won't abrogate S'pore-SL FTA: Bandula

10 November 2018 08:14 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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International Trade and Investment Promotion Minister Bandula Gunawardana said yesterday the new government did not intend abrogate the much criticized Singapore-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement because it was an international trade pact.

“An FR has been filed against this agreement in the Supreme Court and President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed Prof. W.D. Lakshman to study it and file a report. Therefore, the government would not abrogate the Sri Lanka-Singapore Trade Agreement immediately. Besides, It has been printed only in English and as such we must also print it in Sinhala and Tamil as required by Parliament Standing Orders,” he said

The minister said his prime concern would be to narrow the gap between exports and imports and as such would introduce drastic changes to the trade, investment and monetary policies adopted by the previous government.

“The previous regime followed a policy that ruined the local industry. They were more concerned on attacking political opponents. The abandoning of the ‘Port City’ project and deserting of many sub contractors led to loose the confidence among investors. The FCID questioned business leaders, chairmen and directors of various companies compelling them to leave the country and that affected the economy badly,” he said.

The minister said he would try to resolve issues pertaining to the economy, investment and trade in a non-vengeful manner.

"The government is confident of a majority in Parliament and has the support of 104 MPs at present, Minister S.B. Dissanayaka said.

He said Mr. Ranil Wickremesinhe's struggle right now was not to secure the premiership but to be the leader of the opposition and leader of the UNP.

The minister said those who left the UPFA camp were in contact with the UPFA leadership to come back and that he was confident that former minister Rishad Bathiudeen would support Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“I believe we can rope in three more UNP members. But some members of our camp do not like them. That is the delay. The UNP right now has only the support of 98 members. The TNA and the JVP would not vote in favour of making Ranil Prime Minister. Anyhow, if the TNA supported Ranil, it will be fragmented into three fractions,” the minister said. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

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Comments - 15

DillonDP Saturday, 10 November 2018 11:15 AM

Bandy kindly note that this bull talk will work with peasants, its bullock statement here, and you cant cancel the trade agreement, you got no bargaining chip

Chux Saturday, 10 November 2018 11:40 AM

Are you talking from mouth or somewhere else

Rex Saturday, 10 November 2018 12:24 PM

Arn't you the same person who said that this agreement will be torn down the moment you come to power. Was it all lies then to fool the people? We know who you are Minister. You are a good boot licker.

Pibi Saturday, 10 November 2018 08:24 PM

First grade idiot. Menace to the country.

Dee Saturday, 10 November 2018 08:58 PM

So what was that big talk about abolishing the pact once you come into power? Still no power is it?

Edward Saturday, 10 November 2018 09:21 PM

Prime example that Sri Lanakan politicians don't have credibility.

Anton Saturday, 10 November 2018 10:25 PM

How many tongues have you got ?Are you talking from the mouth between your legs ? Corrupt boot licker.

GH Saturday, 10 November 2018 11:12 PM

Hope delayed statement nullified. However, people's power is more important than cross-over-powers.

lanka Saturday, 10 November 2018 11:31 PM

Minister Bandula Gunawardana, kindly note that people kicked out the 'Yahapalanaya' government because they just did not keep the promises they made. You said the STA was going to be abolished - there will be penalties for cancelling a trade agreement however it will be better to do that than accept this STA as it is. Do not hesitate get rid of the shit.

chandra Saturday, 10 November 2018 11:59 PM

Dr. Liar.

Roshan Sunday, 11 November 2018 12:04 AM

2500 per month ....tution master. ..sirisena....sirisena....

Diogenes Sunday, 11 November 2018 11:09 AM

Do not! Now you have the chance to"Hit a good Komis Paara"!

Moiez Sunday, 11 November 2018 12:33 PM

Minister Bandula G , first of all being a minister you don't know how to speak proper english. We know what kind of dog you are. Look at the mirror and see your face not a single dog will like you. Get lost and see what will happen during the coming election. Go and lick MS slippers.

Senaka Mallikarachchi Sunday, 11 November 2018 01:17 PM

Come back to Parliment as an MP again, if dissolution accepted by SC.

karigalan Monday, 12 November 2018 09:25 AM

How to call that person If he/she who vote this Man?

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Govt. won't abrogate S'pore-SL FTA: Bandula

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