DailyMirror
The government told Parliament yesterday that it had not taken any final decision on signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the government of India. Industries Minister Rishad Bathiudeen told the House made this statement in response to a question raised by DNA Parliamentary group leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Outlining reasons why the government changed its stance about CEPA in 2002 and 2008, the Minister said it was to study the concerns raised by critics of CEPA and to engage in a constructive dialogue with the relevant stakeholders.
Mr. Bathiudeen also said there was no final decision even on the number of trading goods and tariff issues to be dealt under CEPA.
Mr. Dissanayake who raised the question on CEPA, warned that the local industries would have dire consequences if this agreement were singed.