EU team to visit Sri Lanka to discuss GSP+, says Foreign Secretary

COLOMBO (News 1st): Foreign Secretary Admiral Jayanath Colambage says that an EU delegation will visit Sri Lanka on the 27th of September in order to discuss the GSP+ facility.

The Foreign Secretary further stated that the delegation is due to meet representatives of several Ministries and conduct working sessions with the representatives of the relevant Ministries.

Speaking to the media today (16), the Foreign Secretary acknowledged that the GSP+ facility is focused around the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), however it is best for anyone to visit the country and see instead of making decisions about a Nation while being on an entirely different continent.

Commenting on the recent amendments to be made to the PTA, the Foreign Secretary said that a Ministerial Sub-Committee and an Expert Committee have already been appointed to explore the PTA in detail, and make recommendations for the amendment of the relevant act.

Admiral Colambage admitting that the PTA, which was enacted in 1979, contains certain regulations which do not match with best practices at present, said that the Government is determined to find solutions to those problems and move forward.

Meanwhile, he stated that the interim report of the Expert Committee, which is Chaired by the Defence Secretary, is due to be publicized on 23 September, and the recommendations of the relevant committee will contain recommendations based upon the defense, intelligence and legal aspects of the PTA.

"We are not scared, we have nothing to hide, we can ask for the EU delegation to come visit" the Foreign Secretary added.