(Lanka-e-News -19.Dec.2024, 11.10 PM) In a definitive response during a parliamentary session, Sri Lanka’s Honorable Foreign Minister, Vijith Herath, clarified that the government has not entered into discussions or agreements concerning the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India during President Anura Kumara’s recent official visit to New Delhi.
Herath emphasized that the only significant outcome of the visit was an agreement related to the export of excess electricity generated in Sri Lanka to countries within the BIMSTEC region. He highlighted that this collaboration under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) framework is expected to be mutually beneficial, particularly as Sri Lanka seeks avenues to optimize its renewable energy potential.
The topic of ETCA was brought into the spotlight by opposition Member of Parliament Nalin Bandara of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), who persistently questioned the government on what agreements were reached with India during the high-profile visit. Bandara , who some suggest could be the de facto “shadow foreign minister,” sought clarity on the exact nature of commitments made.
Foreign Minister Herath reiterated that there were no new agreements signed during the visit, aside from a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). “MOUs are not binding agreements,” Herath clarified, brushing aside any insinuations of a secret deal or significant shift in economic diplomacy with India.
The Foreign Minister’s statement underscores a delicate balance in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy approach, ensuring transparency in engagements with regional powers while prioritizing the nation’s economic and strategic interests.
As debates heat up in parliament over Sri Lanka’s international engagements, the government’s commitment to full disclosure of its dealings with India remains a focal point, especially in light of past controversies surrounding ETCA and its perceived impact on local industries.
For now, it appears that Sri Lanka’s bilateral relations with India are being shaped by cautious optimism, centered on energy cooperation rather than broader trade agreements. Whether this restrained approach will persist remains a question for policymakers in Colombo and New Delhi alike.
---------------------------
by (2024-12-19 22:20:38)
Read 10908 Times
Leave a Reply
0 discussion on this news
