Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP), MP Ravi Karunanayake, has urged the government to take immediate steps for Sri Lanka to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community.
Speaking to the media, Karunanayake revealed that the previous government had already decided to initiate the process of joining ASEAN two years ago. He emphasized that with Asian nations rapidly advancing in economic development, Sri Lanka must also align itself with the region’s growth momentum.
The MP noted that Sri Lanka had missed an earlier opportunity to join the global economic network due to resistance from local communist parties. “Because of such political obstacles, we lost a valuable chance to integrate with the rest of the world,” he said.
Karunanayake stressed that the government should now find an expedited path to secure Sri Lanka’s entry into ASEAN, adding that such a move could unlock significant economic opportunities for the country.
