EU Parliament adopts resolution on Sri Lanka

MEPs propose GSP withdrawal as last resort

10 June 2021 10:09 pm - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The EU Parliament adopted a resolution on Sri Lanka today calling for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

EU MPs have also propose to carefully assess whether there is sufficient reason, as a last resort, to initiate a procedure for the temporary withdrawal of Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status.

Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights situation at the Spanish/Moroccan border, in Russia, and in Sri Lanka.

The resolution on Sri Lanka was adopted with 628 votes in favour, 15 against and 40 abstentions.

The resolution notes that the EU Parliament expresses its deep concern about Sri Lanka’s alarming slide towards a recurrence of grave human rights violations, as described by the most recent UN report on the country.

Members reiterated their strong opposition to the continued application of the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which grants the country’s police broad powers to search, arrest and detain civilian suspects. The resolution alleged that the PTA has led to consistent and well-founded allegations of torture, sexual abuse and forced confessions.

The resolution calls on the Sri Lankan authorities to fulfil their pledge to review and repeal the act and replace it with anti-terrorism legislation which follows international best practices.

Sri Lanka regained access to generous EU tariff preferences under the GSP+ on 19 May 2017, on the condition that it replace the PTA and effectively implements 27 international conventions, including on human rights.

EU MPs are therefore calling on the European Commission and the European External Action Service to use the GSP+ as leverage to push for progress on Sri Lanka’s human rights obligations. They also want them to carefully assess whether there is sufficient reason, as a last resort, to initiate a procedure for the temporary withdrawal of Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status. (EASWARAN RUTNAM)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 7

Bernard Friday, 11 June 2021 08:54 AM

What is more important, the Prevention of Terrorism Act or GSP , the former representing militaristic structure and the latter democratic characture?

Judge Friday, 11 June 2021 08:55 AM

Accuse them of something!!

Joshua Friday, 11 June 2021 09:15 AM

Well done foreign Ministry of SL!! All talk only.

Leel Friday, 11 June 2021 09:17 AM

At last time withdrawal lot of garments factories went to bangaladesh and now Bangaladesh is the becomes second largest exporter of garments. If it happens this time, it will completely wipeout the industry from Sri Lanka. We all must happy about the Bangaladesh achievement and it's able leaderdhip of the her excellency the prime minister of Bangaladesh.

Borat Friday, 11 June 2021 09:32 AM

Looks like Rajapkse Inc. can’t bluff for long . We citizens are happy that they are being made accountable but who suffers again ,us because of their dictatorial behaviour. Time to make them accountable for all abuses of power

Ronnie Bugger Friday, 11 June 2021 09:45 AM

Now we will see a busload of 'pandithayas' throwing their not worth two cents on the subject - Dinesh, Gota and foot-in-mouth Professor, start eating humble pie. Not worth talking about 'mara' because he is not worth even a pie.

Rohan Gunasena Friday, 18 June 2021 10:15 AM

Replace with the US counter terrorism act which is much more severe. Also dont forget to have a branch of Guantanamo bay. The European colonial invaders plundered this country for centuries, these white supremacists still think we are their slaves.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

EU Parliament adopts resolution on Sri Lanka

MEPs propose GSP withdrawal as last resort

Comments - 7

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

April 15 declared a government holiday

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

Confusion remains if April 15 is a bank holiday

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

MIRROR CRICKET

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

Amir, Wasim return to Pakistan national team

TODAY'S HEADLINES

100 Police personnel trained to target criminals operating on motorbikes

Catholic Church receives full report

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali’s possession of Gota’s Range Rover

We are struggling with severe shortage of staff – Excise Chief

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Security raised for Champions League ties after threat

SLA target four events at Paris Olympic Games

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win