No decision on CEPA - Minister

Irangika RANGE and Sandasen MARASINGHE

Industries and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen yesterday said in Parliament that the Government has not taken any decision in relation to the signing of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India.

Responding to the special statement made by DNA MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake about CEPA the Minister said that the Government has not reached a final decision with regard to the signing of CEPA.

The Minister further said that the Government is ready to discuss with the relevant persons concerned regarding CEPA, if there were any doubts about the agreement among the people.

“We are ready to engage in a comprehensive dialogue with stakeholders about any issues regarding CEPA”, he said. However, the Minister added that Sri Lanka is seeking possibilities to sign a similar trade agreement with Pakistan.