Charles Whiteley, Head of the South Asia Division of the European Union, stated that the EU is considering the GSP+ review positively.
He made these remarks during a discussion held today (30) at the Presidential Secretariat between visiting EU representatives and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Whiteley emphasized that the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the EU has led to significant trade achievements and that the EU is prepared to continue supporting Sri Lanka in future trade advancements. He added that the GSP+ scheme has encouraged Sri Lanka to supply standardized and high-quality products and that current government policies will be a key consideration in the continuation of the tax concession.
The review also assessed Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing 27 international conventions linked to the GSP+ arrangement. President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for the EU’s assistance during times of economic collapse and acknowledged that the GSP+ scheme has positively impacted Sri Lanka’s export sector and overall economic growth.
President Dissanayake further stated that the country’s political system and past leadership corruption contributed to the economic downfall. He affirmed the government’s commitment to rebuilding a rule-based administration and fulfilling promises made to all communities, noting that the current government was formed with the support of Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims alike.
Several high-level officials attended the meeting, including Ministers Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Harshana Nanayakkara, Dr. Harshana Suriyaaratchi, Presidential Senior Additional Secretary Roshan Gamage, EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno, and EU officers Guido Dolara and Galija Agisheva.
