GSP+ revival has doubled Sri Lanka’s export growth to the European Union
The mid- 2017 restoration of GSP + which provides duty free access to more than 80 per cent of Sri Lankan exports to Europe has contributed to a near doubling of export growth, a Sri Lanka delegation has told European Union ( EU) officials during talks in Colombo.
The occasion was the 21st meeting of the European Union- Sri Lanka Joint Commission which took place in Colombo on January 18, according to a joint media release by the two parties.
“The trade preferences scheme was restored in recognition of the progress made by Sri Lanka in implementing the 27 international conventions listed in the GSP Regulation relating to human rights, labour, good governance and the environment,” it said.
While welcoming Sri Lanka’s recent accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, there was agreement that the Government of Sri Lanka must ensure that the policy of zero- tolerance for the use of torture is implemented and that perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
The EU re- emphasised its clear and unwavering expectation that urgent action would be taken by the Sri Lankan authorities to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act ( PTA) and replace it with legislation that is in line with international standards. Plans to resolve as soon as possible the situation of the remaining detainees held under the PTA were discussed. In addition, there was discussion of the need to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure fundamental legal safeguards, the release said.
Both sides noted Sri Lanka’s reaffirmed commitment to establishing the remaining mechanisms aimed at truth seeking, reconciliation, reparation, and justice, on which the EU urged for prompt action. Progress with regard to the enactment of the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Act, unmet expectations of justice in the 'emblematic cases', the further release of land, and the normalisation of civilian life in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka, were discussed during the meeting. Sri Lanka also provided updates on the ongoing constitutional reform process, and measures to combat corruption.
The EU is one of the largest grant donors to Sri Lanka, with an allocation of 210 million (approximately Rs. 40 billion) for the period 2014- 2020, and last year launched its largest programme of cooperation to improve the lives of poor people living in the rural areas of Central and Uva Provinces.
The EU welcomed the participation of Sri Lankan students, scholars and universities in EU higher education and research cooperation programmes. It further encouraged more applications from Sri Lanka in light of the available opportunities. The meeting was co- chaired by Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific of the European Exter nal Action Service, and Prasad Kariyawasam, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.