EU gives conditions for GSP+ extension

The European Commission has informed the Sri Lankan government that they are ready to propose a limited extension period for the GSP plus benefit if the government gives a written commitment by the July 1 to uphold a well defined number of the human rights related issues.

The GSP plus benefit was said to cease on the 15^thof August.

Press Release

The Delegation of the European Union to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka & the Maldives would like to clarify information which has appeared in several press articles related to the ongoing dialogue on GSP plus between the European Commission and the Government of Sri Lanka.

Contrary to these articles, the date of 15 August on which Sri Lanka would cease to benefit from GSP+ will not be extended unconditionally.

Actually, the European Commission has informed the Government of Sri Lanka of its readiness to propose to the Council of the European Union to maintain GSP plus preferences for Sri Lanka for a limited additional period, subject to a clear and written commitment by the Government of Sri Lanka to undertake a well defined number of human rights related  actions, within a 6 months time frame beginning in July of this year, and to provide reassurances as to the sustainability of progress registered under the GSP plus dialogue.

Only if a written commitment to this effect has been made by the Government of Sri Lanka, by 1 July 2010, would the European Commission put such a proposal to the Council of the European Union, without prejudice to the final decision.