UNP has mandate to enact ETCA: PM

By Chamodi Gunawardana

The United National Party (UNP) led Government has the mandate to have an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Addressing a gathering of UNP activists at party headquarters Sirikotha, Wickremesinghe said a majority of Sri Lankans voted for the UNP at the last general election with the hope of having 1,000,000 jobs for Sri Lankans.

“We cannot offer 1,000,000 jobs for Sri Lankans within the scope of the existing job market. We must go beyond our market towards the global market, and I believe ETCA will be an ideal solution [to the job requirement issue],” he said.

Wickremesinghe stressed that the Government will not allow Indians to migrate to Sri Lanka for jobs via ETCA as some parties have claimed but instead will pave the path for locals to work in India. He also said the trade deal would be presented to Parliament. 

“Most people have no idea how a national government can be beneficial to them. We expect to launch our next economic moves within next three months. Thereafter, people can enjoy the benefits,” he noted.

Wickremesinghe revealed that the Government is also holding discussions with China to sign a free trade agreement between the two countries.  Japan, Singapore and several European counties are also willing to make trade agreements with Sri Lanka, he added.

“We expect those agreements will bring new foreign investments to Sri Lanka,” he said. 

According to Wickremesinghe, the Government will present draft bills of these agreements to obtain the view of all Parliamentarians.  Copies will be given to media and professionals as well, he said.