Govt. continues to engage with EC over GSP Plus: G.L

The Government will continue to engage with the European Commission (EC) to retain the GSP+ concessions within certain parameters determined by Sri Lanka and the EC has agreed to discuss further on its impending termination, Minister of Export Development and International Trade Prof. G.L. Peiris said.

“We have six months more from February 15 before it lapses and until then we will be benefiting from the GSP + facility. Certain groups are trying to create a wrong impressing about it saying we have already lost these concessions, Prof. Peiris said While addressing a media briefing at the Government Information Department today (Feb. 25).

The Minister also pointed out that Sri Lanka is not prepared to betray its sovereignty solely for the sake of regaining the European Commission GSP+ tariff concession whilst attempting to renegotiate purely based on Sri Lankan Government’s legitimate reasons to receive it beyond the six months deadline set by them.