EU concerned over delay in PTA repeal
- CNL Reporter
- May 1, 2025
- Political
- EU, PTA
- 0 Comments
The European Union (EU) GSP+ monitoring mission, which is currently in town, has once again expressed concern over the delay in repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), despite a promise made as far back as 2017, Daily Mirror learns.
Sri Lanka qualified for the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in 2017. However, the current regulations will expire next year. Sri Lanka is required to reapply for GSP+ under the revised criteria, which will come into effect in 2027.
The EU team is visiting Sri Lanka from April 28 to May 7, 2025, to take stock of progress on the fulfilment of conditions linked to the granting of GSP+ trade preferences.
Sri Lanka must make progress in implementing 27 international conventions.
For Sri Lanka, 85 percent of exports to the EU region benefit from the GSP+. In 2023, Sri Lanka exported items worth €3.84 billion.
Sri Lankan authorities informed the EU during this visit that a committee had been appointed to work out a new anti-terrorism bill to be enacted in place of the PTA.
In addition, the EU team inquired about the progress in amending the Online Safety Act and the reconciliation process.
