• Says that new counter-terror law will be consistent with int’l norms/standards

The Government of Sri Lanka confirmed the commitment to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended (PTA), and briefed the Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the European Union (EU) – Sri Lanka Joint Commission on the timeline to replace it with new counter-terrorism legislation in compliance with international norms and standards. 

The EU recalled the need to bring the relevant legislation in line with International Human Rights and International Labour Organisation Conventions to ensure continued access to the European market through the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GPS+) trade preferences.

This was during the eighth meeting of the said Working Group which was held in Colombo on Monday (5).

The Working Group discussed a range of matters of mutual interest, including efforts to combat corruption, uphold human rights including labour rights, the rights of persons belonging to minorities, women’s rights, child rights, a conducive space for the civil society, strengthening electoral processes, and preventing discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation.

The EU also congratulated Sri Lanka on continued efforts towards recovery and important initiatives such as the Government Action Plan for the implementation of governance-related reforms based on the International Monetary Fund recommendations. The EU and Sri Lanka agreed on the importance of governance and judicial processes to strengthen the rule of law. They agreed on the important role of civil society organisations, particularly in fostering inclusive and consultative legislative processes within democratic societies.

The Working Group reiterated its shared commitment to promote and protect human rights and to collaborate, as applicable, on the effective implementation of international human rights instruments. 

The EU welcomed the commitment of the Government to end discrimination and build national unity, as well as the pledge to strengthen the truth and reconciliation framework in Sri Lanka, through an inclusive and participative process of all communities. 

The EU and Sri Lanka reiterated their commitment to continue to work in the multilateral United Nations (UN) framework and continue their engagement with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Council.

The EU and Sri Lanka also reaffirmed their shared commitment to continuing to support a multilateral, rules-based international order grounded in international law, with the UN at its core.

The conclusions and recommendations of the Working Group will be reported to the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission to be held in Colombo during the latter half of the year.