Government will not betray nation

Export Development and International Trade Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris making a special statement in Parliament on the Government’s position on the GSP issue said adopting all reasonable measures to secure the facility it would never acquiesce in any course of action which is inconsistent with the sovereignty and dignity of the nation.

Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera correctly asserts that “GSP is an autonomous trade arrangement through which the European Union provides non-reciprocal preferential access to the EU market”. It may be added, for the sake of completeness, that implementation is subject to normative principles established by the World Trade Organization regime.

The Government’s position with regard to this issue is crystal clear.

The Government will adopt all reasonable measures to secure for the country the benefits accruing from the requested extension of the GSP+ facility for a further period of three years. However, we will at no time be prepared to acquiesce in any course of action which is inconsistent with the sovereignty and dignity of the nation. This is why we have steadfastly refused to submit Sri Lanka to an investigation carried out by a foreign government.

While declining to be a party to, or to be in any way associated with, an investigative procedure, we have made explicit our willingness, and indeed eagerness, to engage in a continuing dialogue with the European Commission through regular diplomatic channels, and to place at the disposal of the Commission any information they may require.

Throughout these consultations there is a central focus. This consists of sharp emphasis on the new situation in Sri Lanka, consequent on the eradication of terrorism after two decades.

In discussion with the Commission at all levels, we have consistently underscored the reality that there is in Sri Lanka today a unique opportunity to be made use of, for the benefit of the nation as a whole. The vistas of opportunity now available are crucial in respect of economic development with particular reference to investment, trade and tourism.

We have provided the Commission with detailed information relating to current initiatives by the Government with regard to the resettlement of internally displaced persons, the revival of the economy in those parts of the island which have been ravaged by the conflict, measures directed towards the restoration of livelihoods and the resuscitation of the democratic process with the holding of the elections to local bodies in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka.

Underpinning these representations is the strong belief by the Government of Sri Lanka that any realistic appraisal of the evolving situation in the country must necessarily take into account the magnitude and complexity of the issues we are faced with, as we leave behind us the pain and anguish of a prolonged conflict and address urgent issues of economic and social development in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

In these circumstances, the practical yardstick for assessment of the country’s situation, we believe, is the progress we have made, from step to step, on a journey embarked upon in earnest, in the midst of a formidable array of problems, towards the goal of national unification and reconciliation.

While comment on perceived deficiencies is admittedly legitimate, a sense of poise and balance requires that due credit be given for what has been achieved against overwhelming odds. To present the country’s situation in the darkest and bleakest of hues, with hardly any recognition of positive or redeeming features, involves an affront to basic values of fairness and objectivity.

A helpful approach, we believe, must reflect understanding of the multi-faceted problems the country is grappling with at present and the resolve to find a way forward in a spirit of partnership.

The Government, for its part, will reciprocate in the fullest measure towards the accomplishment of a variety of objectives which we regard as compelling.

Nevertheless, we must confess to deep disillusionment with several developments we have encountered in respect of the decision-making process.

We find particularly disconcerting some attitudes directly linked to subjective views, expressed in formal discussions with surprising lack of restraint, by officials of the Commission with regard to a wide range of issues within Sri Lanka’s sovereign competence, including the acceptability of military action in the country.

It is fundamentally wrong and in any event demonstrably incompatible with the conceptual framework of this trade regime, to use GSP+ as a weapon to coerce the Government of Sri Lanka into making departures from core national policies which have been formulated and are being implemented, with the overwhelming support of our people. Indeed, we have every reason to protest vehemently against the threatened use of GSP+ as ‘a powerful weapon’ against our country for any purpose whatsoever.

The Government is currently engaged in a series of bilateral discussions with several countries of the European Union to set out our position with clarity.

The GSP+ concessions which Sri Lanka enjoys at present, serve as a powerful lever for attaining social equity and, in particular, women’s empowerment. While the competitiveness of a large number of industries has been strengthened by this arrangement, the principal beneficiary is the garment sector. The significant majority of employees in garment factories, many of which are located in the rural heartland of Sri Lanka, are women who have become breadwinners for their families and are today major contributors to the uplift of social and economic conditions in the remoter regions of the Island.

We have no doubt that the States of the European Union share our conviction that the future of these persons who richly deserve empathy, should be one of promise and fulfilment, especially as we enter upon an exciting new phase in the contemporary history of our country.

The need of the hour, clearly, is to use all the energy at our command to protect the livelihoods of the most vulnerable segments of the Sri Lankan community.

This has to be done with perception and sensitivity. It is surely reasonable to try to relegate, at least in this particular context and for the time being, the pursuit of narrow political objectives in the domestic sphere. We believe that all citizens of goodwill, irrespective of political affiliation, will find themselves in agreement with this point of view.

It has to be remembered that the decision-making process with regard to GSP+ for Sri Lanka has not reached finality.

The culmination of this process is a determination by the Council of States of the European Union. This determination has yet to be made.

In these circumstances, it is not appropriate for the Government of Sri Lanka to take unilateral action to publish documents, many of which have been sent to us under cover of confidentiality.

Since these are documents which have originated from the Commission and the Commission alone is responsible for their contents, such an initiative by the Government of Sri Lanka, we are convinced, will potentially hinder, rather than serve, the national interest.

The Government will continue its engagement with the relevant authorities in a spirit of commitment and dedication in accordance with the principles, I have explained.