Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe has confirmed that Sri Lanka intends to apply for continued access under the next phase of the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), emphasising its importance as a cornerstone of the country’s export strategy.
“GSP+ has been extremely beneficial to Sri Lanka,” Wijesinghe stated, noting that the scheme has significantly enhanced the country’s competitiveness in the EU market.
He highlighted that considerable untapped export potential remains within the European market and indicated that recent discussions with Sri Lanka’s political leadership have yielded encouraging signals regarding continued engagement with the EU’s preferential trade framework.
“We have already discussed this matter with the country’s political leadership and have received positive signals,” he said.
Wijesinghe also acknowledged that continued access to GSP+ is contingent upon Sri Lanka’s compliance with the EU’s eligibility criteria, particularly in relation to human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, and good governance, as embedded in the 27 international conventions underpinning the scheme.
He noted that Sri Lanka has maintained a generally constructive record of engagement under the GSP+ framework, including progress in areas such as labour rights, environmental governance, and institutional reforms, while also recognising that certain human rights and governance-related commitments remain subject to ongoing review and implementation.
“Sri Lanka is committed to strengthening its compliance with GSP+ obligations, including those related to human rights, labour rights, and governance reforms, which are essential for securing continued access,” he said.
He further emphasised that the country remains engaged with the European Union’s monitoring mechanisms and is taking steps to address outstanding areas of concern in order to ensure continued eligibility under the scheme.
Wijesinghe affirmed that Sri Lanka is prepared to apply for the upcoming GSP+ cycle to preserve and expand preferential market access for its exporters.
“Therefore, Sri Lanka intends to continue benefitting from GSP+ and is willing to apply for the next period as well,” he added.