PM engages EU delegation on GSP+ renewal process

Wednesday, 7 May 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Talks focus on reforms in human rights, labour, inclusion and growth
PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya outlines Govt.’s priorities in poverty alleviation, digitalisation, ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative
Highlights legal reforms on Online Safety Act and anti-trafficking laws
Discusses women’s economic empowerment, childcare, and safe transport
EU praises reform progress, offers technical support for GSP+ bid
Reaffirms commitment to broader partnership beyond trade

As a key step toward renewing Sri Lanka’s eligibility for the European Union’s GSP+ trade concession scheme, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Monday held key discussions with EU European External Action Service Head of South Asia Division Charles Whiteley that underscored the Government’s reform agenda and commitment to deepening ties with the region. The high-level meeting, which took place during the EU’s latest monitoring mission to Colombo, reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication to advancing its reform agenda, enhancing human rights, labour standards, and environmental commitments, while also reinforcing the country’s broader strategic and economic partnership with the EU.

During the discussions, the Prime Minister outlined the Government’s strategic priorities, including eradicating poverty, accelerating digital transformation, and advancing the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative.

She also reiterated Sri Lanka’s focus on reconciliation and legislative reforms, citing the implementation of the Online Safety Act and new legal frameworks to combat drug and human trafficking.

The EU delegation commended these efforts, acknowledging their alignment with the principles underpinning the GSP+ scheme. The preferential trade framework grants developing countries, such as Sri Lanka, duty-free access to EU markets in exchange for demonstrated progress in upholding international conventions on human rights, labour standards, environmental sustainability and good governance.

As Sri Lanka prepares for its formal application to renew GSP+ status, EU officials provided technical guidance and expressed continued support for the country’s economic recovery and institutional reform efforts also under the purview of the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. A key focus of the talks was women’s economic empowerment. Dr. Amarasuriya stressed the need to expand social infrastructure, including affordable childcare, eldercare services and safe transportation, to enable greater female participation in the workforce. The EU welcomed this approach as part of a holistic development strategy.

EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a stronger and more diversified partnership with Sri Lanka, extending beyond trade into economic, cultural, and tourism collaboration. She also noted the importance of sustained reform momentum in ensuring the long-term benefits of bilateral cooperation.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives from both sides, including Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Sagarika Bogahawatte, and Director General of the Foreign Ministry Sugeeshwara Gunaratne, reflecting the high-level importance both parties attach to the EU-Sri Lanka relationship.

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