The Council of the EU says it expects the Sri Lankan Government to work in full compliance with its GSP+ commitments.
The Bloc also pledged to support all efforts in favour of the Sri Lankan people, aimed at returning to more stability and economic recovery and advancing reconciliation agenda, in full respect of democratic values.
Issuing a statement in the wake of security forces assaulting protestors at Galle Face last morning, the European Union called on the government to uphold freedom of opinion and expression and individual rights of Sri Lankan citizens in the process of a democratic, peaceful and orderly transition.
It reiterated that the violence against protestors yesterday was unnecessary.
The EU stressed on the importance of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association and condemned the unwarranted use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
The Bloc pointed out the need for a swift establishment and implementation of a structured plan of reforms in order to return the country’s economy back onto a sustainable path.
It also called on authorities to safeguard human rights and the rule of law while fostering good governance and promoting reconciliation efforts.
The European Union recalled that it has have provided more than EUR 1billion in assistance to the Sri Lankan people over the years.
It also commented that the re-introduction of preferential access to the European Single Market in 2017, under the GSP+ scheme has been essential for Sri Lanka’s economic development.
