Now GSP+ +

Rohan MATHES

Sri Lanka will continue to enjoy the GSP+ duty-free access to the European Union (EU) market for around 6,400 tariff lines, from January 1, 2009 to the end of 2011, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

Addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing at the Government Information Department Auditorium, Minister Abeywardena pointed out that despite all organised attempts by certain reactionary forces to strip the Nation of its due GSP+ facilities, the EU has decided to extend this facility for another three years. This is along with 16 other developing countries, under the EU’s special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance.

Preferences called GSP+ are in addition to the standard Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) extended to the developing countries.

Duty-free access means a considerable tariff reduction over the rates applied under the regular GSP scheme.

Tariff cuts also include fruits, fruit juices, vegetables, fish, honey and tobacco.

Minister Abeywardena categorically stated that although their former leader and Minister Karu Jayasuriya quit the Government and re-joined the UNP, the other 16 members would continue with profound faith and confidence in President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his strong and viable Government.

The government has overwhelmingly defeated the terrorists, launched several unprecedented, mega development projects for the benefit and prosperity of the land, within the broad framework of the renowned Mahinda Chintanaya, so the need to re-join the UNP has never arisen, he said.

All 16 members had been entrusted with notable and high-esteemed ministerial portfolios for which they have painstakingly contributed for the well-being of the people. All of them had received the highest preferential votes of the people at the last General Election and they had no qualms whatsoever in confronting the people, he added.

“We will strengthen the hands of President Rajapaksa and would also contest as members of the Government, in a future election,” he said.