Sri Lanka MP Slams India Trade Pact Delay, Urges Deeper Ties
Overview
Sri Lankan opposition figure Harsha de Silva is frustrated by the delayed signing of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India. He urged stronger economic integration, calling India a vital growth engine. De Silva noted that protectionist groups have often blocked such deals, but believes the current concerns about ETCA are misguided and harm trade benefits for both nations.
ETCA Hold-Up and Economic Vision
De Silva pointed to historical protectionist groups and anti-India feelings among some politicians as reasons for the delay. He pushed back against the idea that ETCA would lead to Indian businesses dominating Sri Lankan markets. Instead, he argued the agreement benefits Sri Lanka, including restrictions on service professionals like doctors and engineers. De Silva also expressed disappointment that neither the Sri Lankan President nor Prime Minister raised the ETCA during recent trips to Delhi.
Shifting Political Sands
The interview also covered the changing political scene, especially the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna's (JVP) apparent shift away from its strong anti-India position. De Silva admitted he found this change hard to fully grasp, remembering past suffering from such beliefs. He emphasized that no matter political allegiances, India's location makes it Sri Lanka's only neighbor, requiring a practical approach to their relationship.
Investment and Infrastructure
On infrastructure and energy, de Silva restated the need for competitive bidding on all government projects, regardless of the investor, mentioning companies like Adani, Reliance, and Tata. He stressed the importance of Indian investment in Sri Lanka's energy sector, similar to India's role in Bhutan's power development. De Silva proposed that energy deals should be free of political concerns, particularly as Sri Lanka has surplus power capacity that India could use. The conversation also touched on a recent maritime incident, which de Silva described as a humanitarian act, highlighting national unity in times of crisis.
