GL meets EU Trade Commissioner

Professor G.L. Peiris had a discussion in Brussels with Peter Mandelson, Trade Commissioner of the European Commission, about the GSP+ concessions available to Sri Lanka and their extension for a further period.

Prof. Peiris told Mandelson about the elections to nine local authorities being held in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka and the future trajectory of the Peace Process at this meeting.

He dealt with the reasons for the abrogation of the Ceasefire Agreement, the continuing work of the APRC, the arrangements being made for the holding of Provincial Council Elections in the Eastern Province within the next three months and the steps that are contemplated for the setting up of an Advisory Council in the Northern Province.

Minister Peiris briefed Mandelson in detail about the action being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka for the protection of human rights and the importance of reviving democratic structures in parts of the country where the electoral process had fallen into abeyance because of terrorist activities.

K.J. Weerasinghe, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the European Union, Manel de Silva, Director General of Commerce and Ajith Dias, Chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) also participated at the meeting.