Foreign Minister says EU delegation expected in April to review GSP+

A delegation from the European Union (EU) is to arrive in the country in mid-April to review its Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP +) for Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Timesonline. 

Mr Herath described the impending arrival of the EU delegation as a routine visit to assess the situation given that a new government has come to power in the country. "They will review Sri Lanka's progress in meeting the criteria to be eligible to continue to receive GSP+ benefits. They will be submitting their recommendations after the review and we hope to continue building a strong foundation with them as we move forward," the minister stressed. 

The Sunday Times understands that the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the Online Safety Act (OSA) are key concerns for the EU as it weighs whether to continue the GSP+ programme for Sri Lanka. 

When queried about the concerns, Minister Herath said the government has already taken steps with regard to both legislation. He noted that Cabinet approval has already been granted to introduce amendments to the OSA in line with recommendations given by the Supreme Court. Accordingly, opportunity has been given to representatives from Non-Governmental Organisations and civil society to submit their own recommendations on amendments to the OSA. A high level committee consisting of officials from the Ministries of Justice, Public Security and Media has already been appointed to consider amendments to the OSA, he said. 

Meanwhile, a committee headed by President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne has been tasked with finalizing a draft anti- terrorism law to replace the PTA.