Top forum on Indo-Lanka ETCA today by Masters Association of Sri Jayawardenepura University

The Masters Association of Sri Jayawardenepura University will hold its first open forum today (8) entitled ‘ETCA Hiccough’ to discuss about trade agreement that Sri Lanka is proposed to sign with India at 5:30 p.m. at Galadari Hotel, Colombo.

This would be the first time that over 75 associations, organisations, professionals and trade unions would be gathered to debate about the concerns they have over signing ETCA in an open forum. The speakers at the Forum are former Central Bank Deputy Governor W.A. Wijewardena, GMOA President Dr. Anurudda Padeniya, United Professionals Movement Media Spokesman Eng. Gamini Nanda Gunwardena and former Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Suresh Shah. 

The prime motive of the forum is to strengthen the link between general public to economic and social policy.  “There was a lot of concern from the general public over ETCA in many ways. People started passing on various comments and opinions about this agreement, as there was no proper picture provided to the general public. The Association decided that it was important to conduct a panel discussion on the timely topic,” Forum Committee President Manujith Wijesuriya said.  

Forum Committee Vice President Chathura Athukorala pointed out that the forum has got the right mix of industry experience as well as the academia to conduct a healthy discussion going on for a good three and a half hours.  “We decided to give a neutralised platform, with some objectivity into it. We think we have the right access in a responsible manner and a non-partial manner giving the chance to the community to decide with the information,” he added. As far as participants are concerned the Association has already got over 200 confirmed participants from the University comprising of Masters Graduates and students, while expecting a larger participation from the general public as it is an open forum. Masters Association of Sri Jayawardenepura University expects to continue have this kind of series of important forums in the future as well. The association comprised of around 700 graduates and 250 current students.