– The European Union, in its latest assessment of Sri Lanka’s situation for GSP+, has emphasized the need for the adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting ethnic and religious minorities and LGBTIQ+ persons, as well as the decriminalization of consensual same-sex relations.

It is a joint report to the European Parliament and Council.The report, which is now in the public domain, calls for addressing the targeted intimidation, harassment and surveillance of civil society by security forces; urgently addressing torture, police abuse and deaths in custody through effective accountability; and introducing a formal moratorium on the death penalty as a step towards abolition.The EU has made recommendations covering a wide range of areas, including the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and reform of anti-terrorism legislation in line with international standards; protection of civic and democratic space; and ensuring freedom of expression by repealing the Online Safety Act.

It also calls for fostering gender equality and combating domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and child abuse, including by prohibiting child marriage.The report says Sri Lanka has benefited from the EU’s Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance (GSP+) since 2017, when GSP+ was reinstated for the country. Sri Lanka is the third-largest GSP+ beneficiary.

In 2024, imports utilizing GSP+ preferences amounted to EUR 1.5 billion, while the share of GSP+-eligible products in total imports remained at 83.5%, the report says.Sri Lanka benefited from an estimated EUR 139 million in tariff exemptions in 2024. With a GSP+ utilization rate of 68.9% in 2024, there is significant potential for the country’s economy to benefit further from GSP+.