Re-applying for EU GSP+ trade concession

DURING the recently concluded visit of European External Action Service Acting Managing Director — Asia and Pacific Paola Pamploni, the Government of Sri Lanka expressed its intention to reapply for the vital trade concession scheme-—the EU GSP+.

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The GSP+ of the EU is a nonreciprocal tariff concession given to low-or lower-middle-income countries, conditional upon the implementation of 27 international conventions related to labour and human rights, environmental and climate protection, and good governance.

In order to ensure compliance with the 27 international conventions, the Government is undertaking legislative reform that include repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as well as introducing amendments to the Online Safety Act (OSA). While in opposition, the NPP strongly condemned the OSA, with current leaders previously calling it a highly flawed piece of legislation intended to suppress dissent. However, after coming to power, the party has been accused of using the same legislation to stifle criticism by the Opposition. In fact, many NPP members of Parliament have reportedly lodged complaints with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding online trolling and defamation by Opposition supporters, using the same Act they previously opposed.