Sri Lanka, Aug. 7 -- Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Santosh Jha has urged Sri Lankans not to fear the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), stating that it will pave the way for investments to flow into the island and that fears of job losses are irrational.

Jha made these remarks while speaking at an event organised by the Organisation of Professional Associations in Colombo.

The High Commissioner explained that the aim of the ETCA is to "improve the old Free Trade Agreement to meet current requirements and strengthen procedures to prevent its misuse."

He said that the agreement would overcome hindrances to trade through "mutual recognition agreements" and would also open up the services sector, which is a major p...