ECONOMYNEXT – The European Union (EU) has harassed Sri Lanka for supply on the commitments together with implementing the 27 core conventions underneath the present Generalized scheme of tariff preferences Plus (GSP+) commerce concession, a joint assertion by the island nation’s Overseas Ministry and European Union mentioned.
For Sri Lanka’s export-driven economic system, the GSP+ have at all times carried the load of each a lifeline and a leash.
The Ministry of Overseas Affairs this week confirmed Sri Lanka’s intention to reapply for the scheme, the announcement was haunted by the echoes of 2010, the 12 months the EU famously pulled the plug on the concession because of vital human rights abuses following the top of the civil conflict.
The lack of GSP+ in 2010 despatched shockwaves by way of the attire sector, resulting in manufacturing unit closures and hundreds of job losses.
“Sri Lanka appreciated the GSP particular incentive association’s (GSP+) contribution to sustainable growth within the nation and expressed its intention to reapply for the scheme after the present cycle ends,” the joint assertion mentioned.
“The EU harassed the significance of the time-bound supply on the commitments underneath the present GSP+, together with specifically the work on the anti-terror laws, bringing it in keeping with the worldwide conventions.”
“On this regard the EU inspired engagement with the UN competent our bodies on counter terrorism. Sri Lanka reaffirmed its dedication to implementing the 27 core conventions underneath the present GSP+ scheme. The EU inspired common updates on progress.”
EU’s withdrawal of the GSP+ was a harsh lesson within the actuality that duty-free entry to the world’s largest buying and selling bloc is just not a present, however a conditional contract.
Whereas the nation regained the standing in 2017, the most recent assembly in Colombo served as a stern reminder that the EU’s reminiscence is lengthy and its situations are non-negotiable.
The EU has been particularly eyeing the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the modification of the On-line Security Act, insisting they be introduced “in keeping with worldwide conventions.”
For the present administration led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the strain is twofold.
Regionally, the federal government should navigate the delicate waters of nationwide safety laws and globally, it should show it has moved past the “rights abuses” period that led to the 2010 withdrawal.
Because the EU encourages common updates on progress, the trail to the subsequent cycle of commerce advantages is paved with tangible human rights reforms, leaving no room for the legislative foot-dragging of the previous, analysts say. (Colombo/February 13/2026)
