The European Commission today decided to recommend the lifting of the ban on fisheries exports from Sri Lanka to the European Union (EU), a official release said. Today’s recommendation will be discussed by the European Union (EU) Fisheries Council at the next available opportunity.
“If the Council agrees with the proposal, the ban will be lifted with immediate effect,” te EU said.
The European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, said that Sri Lanka has now a robust legal and policy framework to fight illegal fishing activities.
“As the fight against IUU fishing is part of the EU's commitment towards sustainability and good ocean governance, each third country that comes on board is an asset.” he said.
Sri Lanka was issued with a yellow card in 2012 and listed by the Council in February 2015. This was the result of a long standing failure to address serious shortcomings in the implementation of control measures, a lack of deterrent sanctions, as well as the failure to comply with international and regional fisheries rules.
Sri Lanka has subsequently amended its legal framework, strengthened sanctions and improved its fleet control. With today's decision Sri Lanka joins the growing list of countries (Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Korea, the Philippines, Fiji, Belize, Panama, Togo and Vanuatu) that have reformed their systems, following action by the EU.
Sri Lanka was previously the second biggest exporter of fresh and chilled swordfish and tuna to the EU with exports worth EUR 74 million in 2013.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has interdicted Colombo Fort Magistrate Kosala Senadheera.
Mr. Ali Sabri Rahim, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Puttalam District whom an open warrant had been issued, attended a public ceremony at Al Aksha National School in Kalpitiya today (16) as the special guest of honor.
The Supreme Court today refused interim relief in an application filed by President’s Counsel Senaka Walgampaya seeking an Order from the Supreme Court compelling the President to appoint judges to fill the existing vacancies in the Court Of Appeal.
The deadline for online applications to the 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination has been extended until July 12, the Department of Examinations said.
Gazette on new speed limit regulations to be issued within two weeks
Cabinet has approved a proposed amendment to the Constitution that a referendum would be required to extend the Presidential and Parliamentary term beyond five years.
Leave Comments