EU, Sri Lanka and GSP+

Temporary suspension of GSP+: A Sri Lankan response:

We are deeply conscious of the importance attached by the members of this Committee, that beneficiaries of the EU GSP+ scheme uphold the high standards laid down in the 27 International Conventions relating to labour rights, environmental safeguards, good governance and human rights. While we appreciate the acknowledgement of our adherence to good labour practices including non-use of child labour and environmentally friendly and sustainable production, Sri Lanka takes very seriously all concerns expressed in relation to three of the 27 human rights related conventions under reference.

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The Morning Inspection - Malinda

Nation-building and the lessons of the kula sutra

The most enchanting thing about Buddhism for me is that even the simplest sutra is made for multiple application in multiple situations, for untying straightforward knot or unravelling the complexities of being to reveal (at least those who have slain appropriate volumes of the kleshas) the pathway out of sorrow.

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Sri Lanka the land of the free

Democracy is safe in Sri Lanka. The recently concluded Presidential election in Sri Lanka proves this beyond a doubt. It was indeed a historic election, for many reasons. As everyone has pointed out, these are the first elections held islandwide in a country free of Tiger terrorism. Again as pointed out many times, the entire Tamil population of the country were free to cast their vote freely without hindrance.

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