The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama

¶ 01 [11.33 a.m.]

¶ 02 Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity. As the Leader of the Opposition noted, Sri Lanka has signed many bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements, but weak negotiation has often meant we failed to secure market access and other gains — including under the 1995 WTO framework. Our teams frequently lacked domain experts, weakening our position.

¶ 03 We also failed to exploit TRIPS-related opportunities such as Geographical Indications (GI). Sri Lanka’s unique products — spices like cinnamon and pepper, traditional foods like ambulthiyal, crafts like Kandy brassware, and northern produce such as kottaikilangku — could have been protected and promoted. Only this year have we secured GI for Ceylon Cinnamon. We are exploring accession to the Madrid Protocol to strengthen trademarks globally; budgetary allocations have been made to strengthen the IP Office and associated systems.

¶ 04 Domestically, consumer confidence is undermined by lack of robust standards and accreditation. Rumours about contaminants in milk powder (DCD, melamine), aflatoxins in coconut oil and chilli, and the gas cylinder explosions exemplify the vacuum. We will strengthen the Sri Lanka Standards Institution and the Weights and Measures/Standards Department, including laboratories and accreditation, with funds allocated this year, to ensure product safety and build trust.

¶ 05 Past neglect led to these crises. We are now putting in place the necessary frameworks and resources with a capable team to implement reforms despite criticism. Thank you.