A delegation from the European Union (EU) is expected to arrive in the country on September 27 to review the GSP+ status of Sri Lanka. The delegation will assess the ground situation and the progress the country has made in fulfilling conditions - humanitarian obligations - linked to the trade concessions.
Foreign Secretary Admiral Dr. Jayanath Colombage said they welcome the visit of the EU delegation as the Government had nothing to hide. He said he was glad a team was coming to witness the ground situation without passing judgements from their offices.
The EU delegation is due to meet President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris. They will also hold working group meetings with ministries and all stakeholders,” the Foreign Secretary said.
The Expert Committee appointed by the Cabinet Subcommittee to study in detail the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to recommend amendments, is expected to present its report before September 23. The expert committee membership represents legal, military and intelligence agencies of the Government.
“We agree the PTA which was devised in 1979 is outdated.
Action is under way to incorporate international human rights and humanitarian best practices to reform this important piece of legislation while safeguarding our national security interests,” he said.