Sri Lanka has recently expressed interest in re-applying for the European Union’s (EU’s) GSP trade facility during a meeting between Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and a senior EU official of the EU. Herath had also appreciated the EU’s GSP trade facility noting that it has been vital for Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
Minister Herath had stated in a post on X that Sri Lanka conveyed its interest to re-apply for the GSP trade facility during a meeting with Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and Pacific of the European Union, who is in Sri Lanka to co-chair the 27th Session of the EU–Sri Lanka Joint Commission External Action Service (EEAS).
“Our discussions were constructive and forward-looking. I briefed Ms. Pampaloni and her delegation on Sri Lanka’s economic progress and the significant legislative reforms we are undertaking, including the repeal of the PTA, amendments to the OSA, and measures to advance reconciliation by strengthening independent national institutions such as the OMP, OR, and ONUR.
“I expressed deep appreciation for the EU’s GSP trade facility, which has been vital for Sri Lanka’s economic growth and conveyed our interest in re-applying when the current cycle ends,” Herath has noted in the post.
The Minister has also said they had discussed the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and Sri Lanka’s ongoing recovery efforts, while extending heartfelt gratitude to the European Union for its steadfast support during these challenging times.
“Beyond bilateral matters, our conversation touched on the shifting global political-economic context, the geo-political challenges faced by the world, and broader regional and global issues. Together, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and the multilateral system.
This engagement marks another step in strengthening the partnership between Sri Lanka and the European Union, a partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a vision for a more resilient and cooperative future,” Herath had added.
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