The European Union (EU) has called on Sri Lanka to make ‘prompt and concrete’ progress in fulfilling international commitments on human rights and labour rights ahead of last phase talks on regaining GSP Plus from the EU.  

The second meeting of the Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the European Union-Sri Lanka Joint Commission was held in Colombo 13-14 March 2017.

The EU delegation to the Working Group called on Ranil Wickeremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and met with Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, who confirmed their political commitment to move forward on reforms in sectors covered by the Working Group.

“Both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights domestically and globally and to collaborate on the effective implementation of international human rights instruments,” a joint statement issued today said. 

The EU recognised the progress made by the Government of Sri Lanka in various areas, including the ratification of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the passing of the Right to Information Act, legislation on the Office on Missing Persons and “symbolic steps taken to advance reconciliation.”

There was a detailed exchange of information on many important ongoing reforms, such as Constitution-making, as well as replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act and amending the Code of Criminal Procedure Act to bring them in line with international standards. 

“Both sides recognised the need for further progress on reconciliation. They agreed that the full implementation of the UN Human Rights Council resolution of October 2015 remains a priority.” 

The EU reiterated its readiness to continue supporting the Government in its reforms, including with financial assistance, it said.

There was also discussion of the progress made and the challenges ahead in maintaining the freedoms of expression and of the media, strengthening the civil society, advancing the rights of women and children, respecting non-discrimination on any grounds, addressing the rights of minorities, accelerating the return of land, labour rights, and implementing the treaty obligations and the rule of law. 

The EU has stressed the importance of addressing areas of concern, especially torture, violence against women and the need to combat corruption.

The parties also discussed Sri Lanka’s application under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) which is currently under consideration by the European Parliament and the Council. 

The two institutions have until mid-May to discuss the European Commission’s assessment and adopt their position. 

“Therefore, the EU drew attention to the importance of Sri Lanka making prompt and concrete progress in fulfilling international commitments on human rights and labour rights and environmental protection.”

The conclusions and recommendations of the Working Group will be reported to the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission to be held later this year. The Joint Commission will then assess the progress achieved since today’s meeting.