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Last Updated : 2024-05-11 03:39:00
12 July 2010 07:43 am - 24 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Sherwani Synon
Fresh talks between the Sri Lankan government and a delegation of the European Union (EU) held last Friday has yet to yield a breakthrough on extending the GSP plus trade benefits for Sri Lanka which will expire in just over a month.
When contacted by Daily Mirror online, the head of delegation for the European Union in Sri Lanka Ambassador Bernard Savage said there were no new developments since the latest talks held last week with External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris.
Sri Lanka is set to lose GSP mid next month after a set of conditions put forward by the EU were rejected by the government on the basis that it violated Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.
However External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris met a delegation of European Union Ambassadors in Colombo on Friday to reiterate Sri Lanka’s position on the EU conditions but added that the government is willing to consider constructive proposals in order to obtain GSP.
When asked if the EU was considering a fresh set of proposals to Sri Lanka despite the lack of time with Sri Lanka set to lose GSP on 15 August, Ambassador Savage said he was not aware of such a move as yet.
Minister Peiris had told the EU envoys on Friday that while the objective of the Government is to find a way forward with a view to restoring the benefits of GSP+ to the people of Sri Lanka, the government has clearly stated that it was not in a position to proceed on the basis of the unacceptable conditions and ultimatum stated in the EU letter sent to the Sri Lankan government last month. (Daily Mirror online)
Hon. Jilmart Monday, 12 July 2010 09:29 AM
Back up vehicles for security are there, but no back up plan for GSP
Citizen Tuesday, 13 July 2010 11:26 AM
With Prof. Pieris heading the talks, we will not have GSP but we will certainly have GLP!
Saman Tuesday, 13 July 2010 09:26 AM
have any one done the cost benift analysis of GSP
Faqi Monday, 12 July 2010 07:14 PM
First we antagonize all our supporters and aid-donors. Then we throw every insult at them. Then, when they retort, we go begging on bended knee. We cannot have it both ways! Other 'poor' countries never 'bite the hand that feeds them'!
citizen1 Monday, 12 July 2010 03:38 PM
Because clearly it was a lie. They said they have a plan B!!
I wonder if WW's theatrics had any part o that plan!??
Wasantha Monday, 12 July 2010 03:32 PM
Mr. Peiris do you think the proposed conditions are "destructive" to our sovereignty. Shame, that you need so called "constructive" proposals to suppress the people of this country.
James bond Monday, 12 July 2010 03:27 PM
why don't we send weerawansa to Brussels?
sena Monday, 12 July 2010 02:32 PM
Unfortunately those if who benefited from higher education during last sixty years have done their duty to the society as a pay back for public supporting their education (with proper political backing) we would have much advanced economy and would not have to plead. Now since everyone depend on the productivity of blue collar workers like garment workers we have no choice.
ruwani Monday, 12 July 2010 02:13 PM
oh juist send the EU packing. arnt you ashamed to even talk to them?W dont NEED their GSP plus
Mahesh Monday, 12 July 2010 02:08 PM
Mahinda clearly said that he doesn't need GSP plus. Then, why are you holding talks with SL government.
Vince Monday, 12 July 2010 10:32 AM
Another round of drama, more drama and fasting
Ravi Seneviratne Monday, 12 July 2010 10:12 AM
Hey , we are not third world country,we dont need GSP+, we are a rich country.
Aiyo Aiyo Monday, 12 July 2010 07:50 AM
Forget it, If the talks were held with Mr Peiris.
wicky Monday, 12 July 2010 09:07 AM
Dear GL say it loud that you are trying to get GSP+ back as we need it badly and we cannot get it because of our big mouths.
Sanja Monday, 12 July 2010 08:55 AM
wait till Weerawansa comes from hospital
RajasH Monday, 12 July 2010 08:29 AM
What happened to the back up plan.? May be the back up plan was to fast untill GSP+ is restored. But now it is a failed strategy!
Wara Monday, 12 July 2010 08:13 AM
See what will happen at the end. GSP+ granted to SL.
Louisa Monday, 12 July 2010 08:11 AM
Government & people of S/L should think how they survived without this GSP+ benefit prior to 2004. Then the EU would not be able to come forward with all this stupid nonsense.
true lankan Monday, 12 July 2010 08:10 AM
Why going beggin after EU. Govt said they can manage without GSP +.
DAYAN Monday, 12 July 2010 08:07 AM
Can't understand why Minister is trying to have another dialogue with EU members now as GOSL made it clear that $150miilion revenue does not have a major impact on economy as they are looking for new markets.
Also Minister is trying to Manoeuvre EU members by diverting their original request using all the jargons in the oxford dictionary.
bugger Monday, 12 July 2010 08:03 AM
I thought mr G.L.Peiris said GSP was not necessary.
Hash Monday, 12 July 2010 08:01 AM
I thought that the government claimed that SL can survive without GSP. Then why bother negotiating ?
anthony jones Monday, 12 July 2010 07:57 AM
They say that the failures are the pillars of success, the minister will keep on trying and trying till he can breakdown the EU, bring them to their knees. He will not be able to do it. a j.
Arthur Monday, 12 July 2010 07:54 AM
Why talk? I thought we don't need it
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