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GSP+: EU Parliament defeats anti-SL resolution

27 April 2017 04:47 pm - 22     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The resolution submitted by a group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) saying that the GSP+ should not be granted to Sri Lanka, was defeated by an overwhelming majority of votes in the European Parliament in Belgium today.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror from Brussels, Belgium, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Harsha De Silva said 436 members voted against the resolution while 119 voted in favour.

“Twenty two members abstained from voting on the resolution. We are very happy and it’s all done now. All voting sessions are over. We successfully defeated the resolution which was presented against granting us the GSP+ tariff concession,” Dr. De Silva said.

He said the next level of regaining GSP+ was the consent of the European Council of the Ministers which is a procedural step. “We expect there will be no objection at the Council of Ministers. Once they give approval, a gazette will be issued making it the law,” he said.

He said the process of regaining the concession will go through the Council of Ministers around May 11.

The group of MEPs tabled the resolution in the European Parliament against granting the GSP+ tariff concession to Sri Lanka citing concerns over key issues like human rights.

The resolution cited the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sri Lanka issued on February 10, 2017 has concluded that the measures taken by Sri Lanka since October 2015 have been “inadequate to ensure real progress”, and the fulfilment of commitments has been "worryingly slow.” (Lahiru Pothmulla)


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  Comments - 22

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  • ceylon Thursday, 27 April 2017 07:22 PM

    its not anty srilanka.its anty criminals in srilanka. via DM Android App

    Nuwan Friday, 28 April 2017 06:57 AM

    Not a fan of yahapalanaya at all. But this is a win for the country and also an egg on the face for the report from UNHRC!!!

    shash Friday, 28 April 2017 05:53 AM

    with in last two years good governors regiment achieve only GSP but too late because people knows Wolf in a sheeps clothing via DM Android App

    Gayan Thursday, 27 April 2017 09:39 PM

    Changing unitary structure. Repealing the prevention of terrorism act. Legalising Gay rights. Jailing war heros. Just a name a few.

    Gayan Thursday, 27 April 2017 09:36 PM

    No coz they didnt sell the sovereignity for money.

    Gayan Thursday, 27 April 2017 09:31 PM

    Selling yourself for money is the oldest profession in the world.

    selvamaniramesh@gmail.com Thursday, 27 April 2017 08:41 PM

    Godd news Dr. Harsha

    Sadun Thursday, 27 April 2017 08:07 PM

    EU has nothing to do but voted on Lanka out of their boring lives after a good breakfast. Com'on people we Lankans are bored too. let's have a Vote against Finland over snow near north pole and chit chat about it. Finnish minister will brag about it.

    B S Perera Thursday, 27 April 2017 07:51 PM

    I repeat what Ravin saidExcellent, now the politicians must work together to get the maximum to the country instead of their pockets.

    Booruwa Thursday, 27 April 2017 07:48 PM

    If an audit is conducted on everyone of those EU members who voted against the country, it would be certain that they were all bribed by the LTTE sympathizers and LTTE-Tamil diaspora.

    mithra Thursday, 27 April 2017 07:46 PM

    A big defeat to MR- Clan. All hopes collapsed. A strong point they hoped to forward in their May Day rally has been lost. Prayers of MR and the clan and Econ. Ustad Bandula not answered.

    sobers Thursday, 27 April 2017 04:58 PM

    Good show by Yahapalanaya! What Mahinda Lost President Maithri has gained. Congratulations!

    Sandun Thursday, 27 April 2017 07:10 PM

    Good job GOSL. Hard work paid off via DM iOS App

    Nihal Amarasekera Thursday, 27 April 2017 07:02 PM

    We are happy not only because we Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims etc. etc. are Sri lankans but more so because the so called Tamil Diaspora who want to have the cake and have the cake.

    Kadiya Thursday, 27 April 2017 07:02 PM

    JO: "Hapoi kahambiliya gavila"!

    ravin Thursday, 27 April 2017 06:14 PM

    Excellent, now the politicians must work together to get the maximum to the country instead of their pockets.

    Dee Thursday, 27 April 2017 06:03 PM

    Another blow to the economic experts of the JO. Jo.

    Sambo Thursday, 27 April 2017 05:46 PM

    Those who voted against are members who are getting "Santhosum" from the Tamil diaspora who cares a dam for the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. We thank the members who the voted to tame the hard lined tigers in EU countries.

    Anil Panagoda Thursday, 27 April 2017 05:40 PM

    Well done Sri Lanka!!!. Now let's all unite and move forward to achieve all important economic goals.

    Bola Thursday, 27 April 2017 05:34 PM

    Govt should clearly reveal the details.What have they agreed to do to get this? Can not call it a victory for SL without knowing these details.

    BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 27 April 2017 05:02 PM

    This cud never be achieved with a Rajapakse regime in power.

    max Thursday, 27 April 2017 05:00 PM

    Excellent. Hope its not at the cost of unitary structure of Mother Lanka.


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