SL-Singapore FTA will affect our professionals: Wimal

2 May 2018 04:16 pm - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader and MP Wimal Weerawansa said today the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore was done in an illegal manner and that it would adversely affect Sri Lankan professionals.

He told a news briefing this treaty would provide ample room for not only Singaporean professionals but also those of India, China and Malaysia to freely enter the Sri Lankan job market.

“When professionals from Singapore and other Asian countries invade the Sri Lankan job market, our professionals will lose opportunities to sustain themselves,” the MP said.

“Although the FTA has been signed without the Cabinet approval, Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama had shrewdly prepared Cabinet papers to show that it has been approved by the Cabinet. That is why we say that it has been signed in an illegal manner. The minister is a confidant of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who is fond of acting according to others tell him,” he said.

The MP said government attempts to sign the Indo-Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) would also be achieved through the FTA with Singapore as it provided room for Indian professionals to engage in Sri Lankan job market.(Sheain Fernandopulle)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 21

Lee kang kung Wednesday, 02 May 2018 05:28 PM

Most of the top notch jobs in SL would go to SG citizens who are none other than former Indians and diaspora folks.

la Thursday, 03 May 2018 06:28 AM

Wages in SG is far higher than in SL. No one is coming to take jobs in SL

Martin Wednesday, 02 May 2018 05:29 PM

With this yahapalanaya Sri Lanka is going through a prolonged curse.

Dilurukshi Wednesday, 02 May 2018 05:32 PM

Given the kind of qualifications of our professionals it will be a one-way street for S'poreans.

Duminda Wednesday, 02 May 2018 05:42 PM

Professionals, it's time to hit the road in masses.

Gamaya Wednesday, 02 May 2018 05:44 PM

I did not know much about this FTA, but now I am fully in favor.

Ajja Wednesday, 02 May 2018 05:54 PM

Singapore gives on arrival visa to Sri Lankan passport holders. Other countries ask for deeds to get visa, We should not even think about sign FTA with countries not giving on arrival visa and obstruct free movement of citizens. Minister

Husni Wednesday, 02 May 2018 06:01 PM

Do S'porians eagerly waiting to work in Sri Lanka. Why don't we try S'porian house maids then?

Premalal Wednesday, 02 May 2018 06:05 PM

Qualifications will not make a professional. A real professional would hold his own against any in the world as so many of our professionals do in the most prestigious international fora. The quality of our professionals could be gauged by the state of our country.

Unchikun Wednesday, 02 May 2018 06:06 PM

If one is a real professional he need not worry about FTAs. It is because of the inferior nature of Sri Lanka professionals they are worried. At present Sri Lanka professionals are paid over the market value. Thus they use uneducated puppets to push their cause.

UPALI Wednesday, 02 May 2018 06:11 PM

Wimalee,Who will employee them ? They are not cheap

Vipin B Wednesday, 02 May 2018 06:22 PM

Albert Einstein said "Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak". In Wimal's case however, even before he speaks he does not look bright.

perera Wednesday, 02 May 2018 10:48 PM

is he talking through his arsestilamus modawansa should go to school to learn about professionalism

Ajith Thursday, 03 May 2018 01:15 AM

Govt is not there to protect professionals but to look after citizens of the country. Get best service for better price. Professional can compete in the job market.

Sinhalaya Modaya Thursday, 03 May 2018 04:45 AM

There is traffic jam in Deans rd Maradana, 100s of Sigapprean Doctors are queing up to work for the ministry of health for us$500 month salary.

Vasa Thursday, 03 May 2018 04:51 AM

Now the passport professional is talking.Wimal it is better for you keep your mouth shut and for people to think you r are a fool than open it make no doubt about it.why are our professionals shy of competition?

Vasa Thursday, 03 May 2018 05:02 AM

Why not close our borders and keep all professionals and non professionals within the country.this is kind of wisdom pseudo patriots have in our country.

Ruck Thursday, 03 May 2018 05:06 AM

Why the hell would a Singaporean come and work in SL? :D :D :D

A. K. Adwani Thursday, 03 May 2018 06:38 AM

This is to divert the attention from selling houses worth 5million to his own relatives at the rate of Rs 5 laks

kukula Thursday, 03 May 2018 09:31 AM

Are you saying professional forgers may loose there jobs?

John Amartunga Thursday, 03 May 2018 01:58 PM

Wimal your such a backward thinker!!!!

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

SL-Singapore FTA will affect our professionals: Wimal

Comments - 21

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

April 15 declared a government holiday

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

MIRROR CRICKET

TODAY'S HEADLINES