Sri Lanka briefs EU on moves to repeal anti-terror laws

Sri Lanka and the European Union (EU) have had talks on the progress with regards to moves to repeal anti-terror laws, Sri Lanka's foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

The Foreign Ministry said that Sri Lanka and the EU discussed the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the release or prosecution of detainees held under the PTA, and the establishment of the transitional mechanisms for truth, reconciliation, justice and reparations were also discussed. Sri Lanka provided updates on the process of drawing up the new Constitution.

The Foreign Ministry said that the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the state of implementation of a UN Human Rights Council resolution last year, which was co-sponsored by a number of UN Member States and Sri Lanka. The parties noted the progress made and indicated that further measures would be pursued and progress would continue for the implementation of the resolution.

The matters were discussed at the 20th meeting of the EU - Sri Lanka Joint Commission which took place in Brussels, the Foreign Ministry said.

"The parties welcomed the recent lifting of the EU ban on export of fish from Sri Lanka. This was achieved due to the extensive improvements made by the government of Sri Lanka in fisheries management and control, consistent with its international obligations. It was agreed that the close relationship established on fisheries between the two parties will continue," the Foreign Ministry added.

The Joint Commission also welcomed Sri Lanka's application for access to the trade concessions under the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) as a sign of Sri Lanka's renewed commitment to meeting its wider international obligations. Endit