Focus of Ranil’s Indian visit greater than CEPA

• Minister Malik Samarawickrema says signing of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement not on the agenda but new Government will pursue broader partnerships with any country in the larger national interests and create much-needed jobs for youth
• Criticises bankrupt Opposition politicians for misleading people with narrow personal interests

Malik Samarawickrema

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

The Government yesterday emphasised that the focus of the visit by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today in India was greater than a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and criticised bankrupt Opposition MPs for misleading the country.

In a statement, Minister of Development Strategy and International Trade, Malik Samarawickrema said that the new Premier’s first ever State visit overseas to New Delhi would not see the signing of the CEPA or discussions on it during the Indian tour. 

However, he said that in keeping with present day global challenges, many countries had forged multiple agreements.



 In that context Sri Lanka would 0revisit this strategy and any future bilateral agreements with a country would not be restricted to trade and economy but broader areas such as investment, technology, education, agriculture, industrial development and culture.  “This is the new Government’s objective and in doing so we will focus on uplifting Sri Lanka and the local economy that can generate much-needed jobs for youth,” Samarawickrema said.

He said that be it with India or any other country, any future agreements would be based on these principles. 

The Minister also criticised bankrupt Opposition MPs for misleading the country for narrow personal interests. 

He recalled that the previous regime entered into various bilateral agreements and understandings not in the national interest but for personal gain. Such agreements also did not provide jobs for youth or welfare to people but enriched some of the henchmen of the previous regime.

Samarawickrema’s statement comes amidst allegations by Opposition politicians that CEPA would be discussed further, something over which sections of the country’s private sector have expressed concern. Most of the private sector has welcomed plans to boost ties with India from an FTA to a CEPA since it would be a win-win proposition. However, they have suggested several key requirements to ensure smoother and beneficial transition.