Singapore FTA is unconstitutional - Joint Opposition

Colombo (News1st)- An adjournment debate on the Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement took place in Parliament on Tuesday (July 17th). The proposal was put forward by MP Dinesh Gunwardena. UPFA MP Bandula Gunawardena joining the debate status that the free trade agreement has not been approved by the foreign minister or the Attorney General. The parliamentarian stated that the FTA has been signed in complete violation of the recommendation made by the president and that it was created to cater to the needs of smugglers. Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, Malik Samarawickrama rejected a claim that the Singapore Sri Lanka free trade agreement has been signed without cabinet approval. MP S.B. Dissanayake responded to the Minister by stating that, as a former member of the cabinet he could clearly say that the free trade agreement was not reproduced to the cabinet with the approval of the Attorney General. Citing a clause in the constitution on international treaties and agreements parliamentarian Bandula Gunawardene claimed that an agreement such as the FTA with Singapore needed a 2/3rds majority in Parliament. The subject minister responded by saying that he had obtained the advice of the Attorney General and that the parliamentarians are free to file a case in Supreme Court and seek a determination. UPFA MP Wimal Weerawansa joined the debate and charged that Minister Malik Samarawickrama had been paid a certain amount for signing this agreement to betray the country. The Minister rejected this allegation.