As of late there has been quite a bit of controversy on CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement). What is being criticized seems to be an age old agreement that was never signed. Many on social media were quite unaware of this term who have suddenly become educated on the subject and become experts. This also could be one of the top searched term in Google in Sri Lanka. Start typing “comprehensive” to see for yourself.
The term or agreement is now changed to ETCA (Economic and Technology Co-operation Agreement). Although the name is changed, it is alleged that only the name is different but it is still the same thing. Sounds like a re-branding exercise by the Government as CEPA has a bad image right now.
Looking at various sources and professional organizations raising concerns, most concern is on allowing unemployed Indian graduates to work in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan professionals fear their jobs being taken away in this small country for cheaper workers coming from a large country with an abundance of unemployed.
Although currently the talk is that the proposed partnership agreement will be signed for IT enabled services and shipbuilding, many professional organizations, specially the doctors, too are up in arms with the Government.
Although there can be benefits to Sri Lanka due to the agreement, they either might not be achievable or will be out-weighed by negatives it will bring in – that is the common concern.
Members of the Government have been giving glimpses of this in the media, persons with political bias from both sides have been sharing views on both sides, but what the Governement should do is to come forward and explain comprehensively what this comprehensive partnership is about.
