Govt. to prioritise PTA ahead of EU GSP+ review
Sri Lanka’s trade concessions to the European Union (EU) under the GSP+ programme is set to come under review and taking centre stage will be the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a long overdue concern raised over the years.
Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Deputy Chairman Felix Fernando told The Sunday Times Business that the PTA was the main matter that the EU delegation wanted to address.
He pointed out that the government has agreed to bring some changes but they are currently hard pressed for time. Local government elections are just around the corner and the government believes they can bring about the necessary amendments to the PTA once the elections conclude.
The PTA enacted in 1979, grants the police broad powers to arrest and detain suspects, often without warrants or charges, and for extended periods. The law was initially intended as a temporary measure but was made permanent in 1982.
The EU also wants to ensure that authorities are engaged in achieving the sustainability goals as a country. In this regard as a first they will be looking at the respective industries trading directly with the EU under the trade concessions to comply with these goals. The EU has also raised concerns regarding the matters pertaining to the freedom of association.
Mr. Fernando noted that this matter had been raised a few times and the industry has assured the EU that they have a good communication as there are joint committees established in this regard.
Free Trade Zones & General Services Employees Union General Secretary Anton Marcus told The Sunday Times Business that the EU had raised issues relating to the PTA; laws related to social media; the NGO Act; the labour law reforms, the freedom of association and the adoption of 5 new conditionalities under the ILO that are to be added to the GSP+.
General Secretary of JAAF Yohan Lawrence observed that the GSP+ trade concession from the EU is ‘our’ single biggest preferential trading agreement with Sri Lanka and so protecting it is important.
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