Govt hopeful on GSP+ issue

Chaminda Perera

Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe yesterday said the Government is continuing the dialogue with the European Union over the GSP+ issue and it is hopeful that GSP + status would be granted to Sri Lanka.

The Minister said the country has come up of 30 years' conflict and it is bound to face challenges. "We are determined to do better" , he said.

"We will present the first draft of the National Action Plan for the protection of Human Rights at the end of this month.

The Plan will address a variety of issues with regard to the protection and promotion of HR in the country, he said. The Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry has taken a lead role in preparing the Action Plan and the Minister has appointed various steering committees consisting of various Ministries to make the endevour a success.

The Minister stressed the Government is not prepared to compromise the country's image. "All citizens of the country should think of the country's dignity and reputation. That's something that every Sri Lankans should have in minds, he said.

We have problems as other countries in the world. But we are determined to face challenges and do better, he said.