International Trade Agreements will not affect local jobs - Minister Faiszer Musthapha

"None of the International Trade Agreements signed by the Government will affect job assurance in Sri Lanka," Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Faiszer Musthapha assured. "This is the policy of the government," he said. The Minister expressed these views with regard to complaints over Trade Agreements made by the government.

regarding International Trade Agreements, Minister Musthapha said,"Sri Lanka hasn't got any National Trade policies. There is a need to create a trade policy which suits our country. Those trade agreements will ensure existing policies of the SLFP and the UNP. Sri Lanka cannot be a frog in the well, where the country will never go forward," he said.

"We are following an unbound policy. We have made trade agreements with countries such as China, India and Singapore. These agreements are useful and will lead the country to development", the Minister added.

He said that there were rumours that the government was offering local job opportunities to foreigners through ETCA. "This will not happen. There should be a basis for any complaint." he said.

In 1978, the BOI Act explained the recruiting procedure of foreign employees to technical vacancies. Responsible trade unions lose their dignity with baseless complaints, he said.

"Our country gains huge benefits through this agreement. We are not making illegal agreements. Any agreement will be done with the knowledge of the public. President Maithripala Sirisena and the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said ETCA will not create job losses for locals," he said.

The President said the country needs balanced development. "We won't be able to make that come true without the international assistance. The president and the SLFP has a policy, not to sell any of the properties of the country.

The government will make its policy to gain the experiences and knowledge from the International and enhance the efficiency of State Institutions."

Minister Musthapha said "At present, industries have declined. The SLFP and the UNP should develop them.

The country should go forward according to public consent. The aim of the government is for the public to enjoy economic and social benefits. The country is stable at present. Don' ruin the process. I would like to invite the Oto assist the process. If you have any issues discuss them with us. Do not depend on baseless facts to engage in politics."