Govt. has no mandate to sign ECTA -- Ex- FUTA president

25 March 2016 05:13 am - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The former president of the Federation of University Teachers' Associations (FUTA), Dr Nirmal Ranjith Devasiri said yesterday that the government had no mandate to sign any trade agreement such as the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA), and that its keenness to sign the agreement over the objections of the professionals was a dubious act.

Dr. Devasiri said so at a rally organised by the United Professionals’ Movement, and held at Hyde Park, in opposition to ECTA.

“The government is keen to sign ECTA despite the continued objections of the professionals. This itself raises doubts even before we consider the content of the agreement,” he said.

The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) president Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya said the government was attempting to expand the Indo-Lanka trade agreement, which was restricted to goods, but which had been disadvantageous to the service sector as well.

He said the government was going against democratic principles and disregarding their just criticism of ECTA.

He said the GMOA had proposed five principles that should be adhered to when signing such an agreement. These included establishing a national policy, qualifying and quantifying the expected outcome and establishing a methodology for the security of the sectors exposed to the trade.

He said the government should study the terms of an agreement thoroughly before signing it. He said New Zealand had studied an international trade agreement for seven and half years before signing it. (Ajith Siriwardana)

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Comments - 20

Bingo Friday, 25 March 2016 11:57 AM

I wonder who is commenting here. are they paid by indian business mafia? get rid of TATA and LAyland and tuk tuks crap first and replace with micro products..replacing 3rd world symbols will be good start at least.

usuf Sunday, 27 March 2016 05:08 PM

What is ur mandate other than taking care of your patients via DM Android App

Toka Saturday, 26 March 2016 11:17 AM

Lots of common people commenting here. No hardcore UNPiers I'm sure. Dr. Ranjith and the like changed the former regime. They can do the same to this arrogant regime who think they won because people loved them. They have forgotten they are here cos of MR 's mistakes. So watch out, this govt is very fragile.

Krishantha Saturday, 26 March 2016 08:15 AM

ECTA might give benefit for very short term since all the people who already have at least 5 year exp. might work in India and doubled their salary but people who new to the industry there will very big competition to gain initial experience, No exp then no Job then no students on particular sector. (Some what like in IPL)

Vish Saturday, 26 March 2016 06:44 AM

Your logic just blew my mind bro. P. S, could you please keep down that bong pipe before commenting on stuff

Vish Saturday, 26 March 2016 06:41 AM

Wow, the people commenting here...

neilwijeratne Saturday, 26 March 2016 06:23 AM

A set of half educated Professionals who doesn't understand anything beyond our shores.

Ranil Wijeyesekera Friday, 25 March 2016 05:50 PM

Dont be a frog in a well.

alitha Friday, 25 March 2016 01:46 PM

Do you think Sri lanka import Tata bcs love of india. go ahead and import vovo buses.

lanka Friday, 25 March 2016 01:21 PM

Yes...Now the white vans are not there...can protest without fear..

Sharon Friday, 25 March 2016 07:20 AM

You have no mandate to talk of these stuff as you were a strong proponent of the stupid change. via DM iOS App

Onlooker Friday, 25 March 2016 11:43 AM

We never had one. But now we need one.

lalith Friday, 25 March 2016 10:33 AM

Govt got mandate to govern from last election. ECTA is normal part of governing no need any more mandates.

BV Friday, 25 March 2016 10:23 AM

RAVI DO YOU WANT US TO COME TO THE STREETS AND SAY WE WANT A DICTATOR ONCE AGAIN.NO THANKS.YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF. via DM Android App

NR Friday, 25 March 2016 10:14 AM

The GMOA(GMPP) is not expert in economical matters therefore pl learn the basic before open your mouth via DM iOS App

NZR Friday, 25 March 2016 10:07 AM

ex FUTA you already expired via DM iOS App

Ravi Friday, 25 March 2016 09:46 AM

yes this is the time people to come to street.

suresh Friday, 25 March 2016 09:28 AM

you teachers better concentrate on your job of teaching without meddling with politics

mnsmart Friday, 25 March 2016 08:19 AM

My son completed a diploma at the pera university 1 1/2 years ago, still not received the certificate. may be still studying the papers

Sri Lankan Friday, 25 March 2016 08:11 AM

Who gave the mandate to FUTA to say so!!?

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Govt. has no mandate to sign ECTA -- Ex- FUTA president

Comments - 20

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