Singapore FTA to be "repackaged"

COLOMBO (News 1st): Representatives of the GMOA and several other Trade Unions met Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today (November 9) at the PM's office. The topics which were discussed at the meeting included the Sri Lanka - Singapore Free Trade Agreement and amendments to the National Salaries and Wages Policy. Speaking to the media following the meeting, GMOA President Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya stated that PM Rajapaksa accepted their request to cancel the FTA signing, along with three other agreements. Padeniya stated that the Premier also accepted the request to implement a National Trade Policy with State support. Meanwhile Bandula Gunawardena commented on the Singapore FTA while assuming duties as the Minister of International Trade and Investment Promotion. The minister stated that the government is "not hoping to abolish" an agreement signed between two countries. He said that he is hoping to follow instructions given by President and Prime Minister regarding "repackaging". "As the subject minister I am not planning to change anything on arbitrary decisions." he added. UNP MP Harsha de Silva responded to the statement by Min. Bandula Gunawardena later in the day, saying people have been deceivied. "Before becoming the fake Minister of International Trade and Investment he said the Singapore FTA is completely wrong and the Rupee will fall to 200 Rupees against the Dollar. But now when questioned on it he says it must be considered. Previously he said the one's who signed the agreement must be cursed. So why aren't they abolishing the FTA?" questioned MP Harsha de Silva