Image: EU-SL working group meeting.
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka told an EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission that its committed to repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which has been a sticking point in ensuring continued access for the island’s export goods to the European market through the GSP+ trade preferences scheme.
“Sri Lanka confirmed the commitment to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and briefed the Working Group on the timeline to replace it with new counter-terrorism legislation in compliance with international norms and standards,” a joint media release by the EU and Sri Lanka stated after the 8th Meeting of Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission met in Colombo.
“The European Union recalled the need to bring relevant legislation in line with international Human Rights and ILO conventions to ensure continued access to the European market through the GSP+ trade preferences.”
At the meeting held in Colombo on 5 May, the Working Group discussed matters of mutual interest, including efforts to combatting corruption, upholding human rights including labour rights; rights of persons belonging to minorities; women’s rights; child rights; a conducive space for civil society; strengthening electoral processes; and preventing discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation.
“The European Union welcomed the commitment of the Government to end discrimination and build national unity, as well as the pledge to strengthen the truth and reconciliation framework in Sri Lanka, through an inclusive and participative process of all communities.
The EU and Sri Lanka reiterated their commitment to continue to work in the multilateral UN framework and continue their engagement with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Council.
The European Union and Sri Lanka also reaffirmed their shared commitment to continuing to support a multilateral, rules-based international order grounded in international law, with the United Nations at its core.
The conclusions and recommendations of the Working Group will be reported to the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission to be held in Colombo during the latter half of the year. (Colombo/May7/2025)