MR refused to pawn SL to regain GSP+: GL

16 January 2017 04:11 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa had an opportunity of regaining the GSP+ facility during his tenure if he had agreed to the conditions laid down by the European Union (EU) at the risk of compromising the country’s sovereignty, SLPP Chairman G.L.Peiris claimed today.

He told a news briefing that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was only speaking a lot about GSP+ but not about the conditions laid down by the EU to grant this preferential tariff system again to Sri Lanka.

“Government has to agree to 58 conditions which are disadvantages to the country and its sovereignty, such as the removal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and restructuring the military. We are in favour of Sri Lanka regaining this facility but opposed to selling our nation. Mr. Rajapaksa rejected a similar set of conditions,” Mr. Peiris said.

He said regaining the GSP+ was not the issue but what mattered was the repercussions of regaining it.

“We cannot pawn the country for the sake of economic growth. The Prime Minister cannot deny the fact that these conditions will impact on the country and the people adversely,” Mr. Peiris said.

The Generalized Scheme of Preferences or GSP+ allows developing countries to pay less or are exempt from duty exports to EU-member countries while providing access to EU markets and contribute to their economic growth.

Sri Lanka lost this facility in 2010. Last year German Chancellor Angela Merkel assured President Maithripala Sirisena that the EU would re-consider offering the GSP+ facility based on the steps taken by him on re-establishing Human Rights, Labour Rights, Environmental Protection and Good Governance. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)

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Comments - 15

Nimal Monday, 16 January 2017 05:45 PM

GL should have explained why we lost GSP in the first place during the MR tenure.

Ajith Monday, 16 January 2017 05:46 PM

Rubbish. Criticising wrong doings is fine. In fact its the duty of the opposition. However, why can't you appreciate good work? At least please keep quiet.

Johan Monday, 16 January 2017 05:49 PM

What is the use of borrowing billions of dollars and investing 50% of it in unworthy projects where now sri lanka is a slave for China. Japan etc etc because of the debt trap.To overcome we need lot of income so that we can repay all these debts and raise our heads.

lulu28 Monday, 16 January 2017 05:53 PM

Ya quite true, he pawned the country for his personal benefits n not for GSP . They would not hv given even if he had.

iyooprof Monday, 16 January 2017 05:54 PM

why has the prof forgotten pawing port city to the Chinese by MR

Tissa Monday, 16 January 2017 06:03 PM

Tho fox told something after he failed to pick Grapes Ha H..... via DM Android App

Hoodwinked Monday, 16 January 2017 06:05 PM

This govt. from inception made proclamation that they would strive to regain the lost GSP plus . Why we're they silent for the past two years ? . Suddenly it had dawned on them that the sovereinity of the country has been compromised. It is a clear story of Sour Grapes.

Patriot Monday, 16 January 2017 06:21 PM

We lost GSP cos we defeated LTTE

DJ Monday, 16 January 2017 06:24 PM

At the end of the day human rights has to respected by all nations. GL no one will just lock up a soldier for nothing. War is one murder is another subject

Weerasinghe L Monday, 16 January 2017 08:13 PM

Professionals should never get into politics. GL is the best example!. He would have to be remained as a professional. Now what is his status. He became a joker!!

Eds Monday, 16 January 2017 09:20 PM

Ask ranil

Bala Monday, 16 January 2017 10:05 PM

Why MR locked up SF for nothing - you forgot - with GLs help.

Ruwan Tuesday, 17 January 2017 04:32 AM

Yeah right Protected the country from West and SOLD to China. That is even worse via DM Android App

cheers Tuesday, 17 January 2017 05:18 AM

I am with GL on this and he is very right. The European union and the west tried hard to rub then president Rajapakse with conditions but he said country first and you agree to our conditions not we agree to your terms and thats the difference between the previous leader and the current 2

parakrema Tuesday, 17 January 2017 05:29 AM

Beggars cannot be choosers. We have forgotton that Bandaranayaka policies made us a slave nation.

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MR refused to pawn SL to regain GSP+: GL

Comments - 15

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