Key talks on CEPA during SAARC summit

The controversial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will be a key issue in diplomatic discussions between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, embassy sources say.
Both parties originally agreed to sign the CEPA agreement during the 15th SAARC summit in Colombo.
However, the Sri Lankan government has decided against it, claiming that the CEPA will not benefit the island’s economy.
Speaking at a media briefing on July 24th, Professor G.L. Peiris said that the would not bring about the downfall of local industrialists by taking a hasty decision on the matter.
The government is currently discussing this issue at length, he added.