Singapore-SL FTA : Petitioners seek more time to study expert committee report

The case involving eight petitions that were filed against the Sri Lanka - Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) claiming that it violates the constitution was taken up for hearing at the Supreme Court today (Jan 7).

The petitioners pointed out as the report of the six member committee appointed by the president to study  the Singapore Free Trade Agreement had been released, the petitioners have requested the Court for time to study the recommendations.

A request made by the petitioners before the Supreme Court's three-member judge bench headed by Justice Buwaneka Aluvihara today (Jan 09). Considering the above request permission was granted to take up the petiones on May 22.

The petitioners also informed the judge bench that they would submit the said report before court in due course.

Eight petititons were filed against the FTA by calling it unconstitutional. The petitioners included MP Bandula Gunawardena and seven others while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the cabinet ministers and the Attorney General were named as respondents in the case.

The petitioners had claimed that several professionals including doctors, engineers and lawyers would be affected due to this FTA.