Today: 5 May 2025
10 August 2023
1 min read

Lanka to join RCEP

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka will work closely with the ASEAN nations in the coming years….reports Asian Lite News

Sri Lanka will join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) and sign Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries after debt restructuring is complete, the President’s Media Division (PMD) announced on Thursday.

The PMD said in a statement that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took part in events to celebrate the ASEAN Day in Colombo, expressed his support for the bloc’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region, reports Xinhua news agency.

Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka will work closely with the ASEAN nations in the coming years.

Sri Lanka has an FTA with Singapore and is holding discussions to sign one with Thailand next year, the President said.

Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka wants to become the first South Asian country to join RCEP, which is the largest trade bloc in history, following the completion of debt restructuring.

“We must join RCEP. There is no reason not to join it,” he said.

Sri Lanka also plans to sign trade agreements with India and Bangladesh, he said.

ALSO READ: Ties with India won’t affect sovereignty, says Lankan president

Previous Story

US partners with tech giants for AI cyber challenge

Next Story

India’s $246,852 aid strengthens flood resilience in Suriname

Latest from -Top News

SYRIA RAIDS: Arab League Slams Israel

The Arab League condemned the airstrikes and called on the international community and the United Nations to confront what it described as “repeated violations committed by Israel against the Syrian state.” The

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of

Abu Dhabi, Beirut Reconnect 

A key highlight of Aoun’s visit to UAE was the agreement to ease travel restrictions between the two countries — a move set to facilitate the movement of citizens and promote closer

Putin lauds UAE’s role in prisoner swaps 

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Vladimir Putin reaffirm growing partnership amid UAE’s humanitarian role in Ukraine conflict  In a strong display of strategic diplomacy and humanitarian leadership, President His
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Siraj’s Sensational 6-fer Leads India to Asia Cup Victory

Siraj grabbed his five-wicket haul in 16 balls by getting

India, Lanka strengthen bilateral relations through delegation Talks

The Prime Minister even congratulated Wickremesinghe on completing one year