Ranil advocates for ETCA with India amid US tariffs

5 April 2025 03:21 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 26 Bookmark

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In the wake of the US reciprocal tariffs, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of the conclusion of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India while operationalising free trade agreements with Thailand and Singapore.

In a video footage, he said that the U.S. would not be open for a free market under the circumstances.

He stressed that his government planned for the signing of the FTA this year.

He also said that the export products basket should be diversified without depending on apparel products alone.

Comments - 26

Suhada malli Saturday, 05 April 2025 03:38 PM

Sir can you elaborate further. What else are we as a nation capable of exporting to the US in addition to apparel? This question has to be asked as if there was a product by now 76 years after independence why have we not exported? As minister Lal Kantha of the JVP recently stated RW has a vision. but he does no know how to implement it.

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Wagner Saturday, 05 April 2025 03:44 PM

No one needs your two cents advice

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Ammata siri meyage mole.. Saturday, 05 April 2025 03:47 PM

what a brilliant idea.. NPP should give a finance ministry post to this expert. He has 50 over year of handing finance and foreign affairs in this country, that why we are living in poverty. LOL

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Chandana Saturday, 05 April 2025 03:50 PM

You have been in politics for more than 50 years and obtained power many times so you would have done these things before.

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Rip Winkle Saturday, 05 April 2025 03:51 PM

Oh man! This old reject again!!!

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Rakitha W Saturday, 05 April 2025 04:11 PM

This ex-spurt is a has been who wants a little too much attention. He should be counting iron bars in a room with no windows if this were a lawful country.

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Avanka Perera Saturday, 05 April 2025 04:11 PM

We don't want you, and you were chased you rounied the country, protected rogue please go away

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Loyal Saturday, 05 April 2025 04:29 PM

Sounds like a good plan

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Dr Soori Maripalan Saturday, 05 April 2025 04:45 PM

Pina is back again to hide his Batalanda case as has been done for many years with Hora Rajini (chowra rajini), Hora Myna and Pamba Sira! Go and meditate Naki Malamalayo!

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Life Saturday, 05 April 2025 04:55 PM

JUST RELAX AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE WITH FAMILIES. GOOD LUCK HAPPY JOURNEY

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Gamani Goonetilleka Saturday, 05 April 2025 04:58 PM

ABSOLUTELY...NO WAY....The would be tantamount to day light robbery and lunacy. Of course it would suit a person like Ranil well...Sri Lanka would do well to realise who they are dealing with here. India is good to have as partner in projects but NEVER hand over anything, ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING, TOTALLY TO INDIA...The 'Power' deal was totally inappropriate. Sri Lanka might or definitely will suffer the same fate that befell SIKKIM. Sri Lanka's present leadership though definitely NOT CORRUPT...lack foresight, vision, fore planning as regards foreign Policy, and are unable to 'read between the lines'..so to speak... The SL Government would do well NOT to be arrogant ('Uddaccha')and dismissive of critics... If they are truly interested in building and taking Sri Lanka unflinchingly forward as an Independent, Sovereign Nation it would serve them very well to enlist at least some of their critics as advisors. Advice would be forthcoming gladly IF requested.

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Reza Saturday, 05 April 2025 05:18 PM

Don’t want Indian ECTA. Will ruin jobs for Sri Lankans. On top of that Indian business don’t spend, try getting 1 rupee out of you can

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Guppi Saturday, 05 April 2025 07:02 PM

When you couldn't do anything sensible about customs duty, VAT, Port, Airport Levy, Nation Building Tax and Cess, which finally added up to 80 to 100% Tax with other hidden Taxes, this was the obvious result. Even though people had no choice and had to take sh*t from incapable leaders like you, now DO NOT interfere and, SHUT UP and stay at home until you are arrested!

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Pierre Gunesekera Saturday, 05 April 2025 07:43 PM

To little, too late. Mind your own business.

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Ramanan Saturday, 05 April 2025 08:02 PM

Srilanka must get free market access to its consumer products . Why dont we get Dilma tea in India. Srilankan must be helped to break into medical tourism, dairy kndustry like amul. Why dont srilankan PM demand these from our PM Modi.

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Savior Saturday, 05 April 2025 09:18 PM

We miss you.

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Buddhist Saturday, 05 April 2025 11:32 PM

Ranil has not understood that people do not want him to make political statements or be in politics, they kicked him out for good. He should mind his own business. NPP will know what to do.

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Darrel Saturday, 05 April 2025 11:52 PM

RW HAS LOST CREDIBILITY AND ALSO DISPLAYED QUALTIES OF A DICTATOR PLUS VAIN CONDUCT TO ENJOY LIFE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PEOPLE. NONE TREAT HIM AS AN HONEST POLITICIAN EXCEPT HIS STOOGES LIKE VAJIRA A AKILA VK, THE NPP CARES A TUPPENCE FOR HIS COMMENTS. It will be interesting how he will fare with the SC when he has to answer

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EGO Sunday, 06 April 2025 02:55 AM

YOU WERE IN POLITIC 1982 TO 2024 , WHAT DID YOU DO THEN.

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slwedda Sunday, 06 April 2025 05:23 AM

Get lost man

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S.K Kumara Sunday, 06 April 2025 07:04 AM

Who the F K asked your opinion ? Diversification your old rectum can be auctioned, we don't have enough food for people to eat 2 meals a day.

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melbournian Sunday, 06 April 2025 08:09 AM

We don't need advice from this thief... he is no longer relevant, it is time for him to retire after 45 years of mess making

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Jude Sunday, 06 April 2025 10:35 AM

Ranil have brilliant ideas, yeah ideas are good but the execution is poor. Ranil always talk as if he's gonna reinvent the wheel. Huh!!

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Tom Jones Sunday, 06 April 2025 12:34 PM

Ranil can say anything but before signing any free trade agreements SL must diversify and strengthen it's agriculture and Industrial sectors geared for exports, else the imports will outstrip export leaving SL in an unfavourable state.

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S Fari Sunday, 06 April 2025 04:52 PM

Unlike during the time of your acquired presidency riddled with corruption, awash with self praise and dictatorial arrogance, the present government is well balanced for facing all challenges, both local and global. To your advice, the country says, "Thank You but No Thank You" !

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Thailand has high tariffs they will not allow most things for free trade Monday, 07 April 2025 01:43 AM

Ranil thinks free trade is possible at a drop of a hat. Countries like India, Thailand will only allow for limited good for free trade. Only if unlimited imports of rice, potatoes, eggs, and big onions are allowed can free trade agreement be allowed, otherwise the public will suffer with pointless allowances for goods no body wants.

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