Expert committee to formulate National Trade Policy

Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena with the other members of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Trade, which include State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawantha, Members of Parliament Nalin Fernando and Rohana Dissanayake and other State officials 

• UGC Chairman to head committee
• Public views will be entertained before policy finalised
• A nation co-operative policy too in the making
•  57 new Sathosa outlets to open

An expert committee has been appointed to formulate the National Trade Policy, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena told the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Trade Affairs.

University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Sampath Amaratunga has been appointed as the Chairman of this expert committee, he said. Its office will be located at the BMICH premises.

The Minister said that the Committee will obtain views and recommendations from the public within the next few weeks on the new National Trade Policy. In September 2020 Cabinet gave approval for the formulation of a national trade policy. The Government has said they will revisit proposed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with several countries including China and the controversial Economic Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) with India, afterwards. 

Gunawardena said similarly a Co-operative Policy too will be formulated to address the shortcomings in the cooperative sector.

During the committee meeting, the issue of corruption and irregularities at Lanka Sathosa was discussed. The Minister said this situation could be changed by computerising all the outlets while investigation will be carried out at ministry level if there are any such allegations.

The Minister said that when purchasing goods for Lanka Sathosa, it is done only through manufacturers and direct importers and that methodology has been successful at present.

It was revealed at the committee meeting that requests have been made to open 57 new Sathosa outlets and these outlets will be established soon.

At the outset of the Committee, the Assistant Secretary General of Parliament, Tikiri K. Jayatilleke also delivered a presentation on the role of the Ministerial Consultative Committees.

State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawantha, Members of Parliament Nalin Fernando and Rohana Dissanayake and a number of Government officials were also present at this meeting.