A delegation from the European Union is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka in late April to assess the continuation of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade concession, which is crucial to the country’s export economy—particularly its apparel industry.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa revealed the upcoming visit during a meeting with representatives of trade unions, stating that the EU team will engage with government officials and local stakeholders to evaluate Sri Lanka’s adherence to the conditions required under the GSP+ framework.
Highlighting the importance of the trade concession, Premadasa noted that approximately 28% of Sri Lanka’s apparel exports are destined for the EU market. He stressed that the opposition stands firmly with the apparel sector and is committed to supporting efforts to retain the GSP+ benefits.
He called on the government to take proactive measures to meet the required conditions, ensuring Sri Lanka’s continued eligibility for the scheme.
The GSP+ is a special incentive arrangement designed to support sustainable development and good governance in vulnerable developing countries. To qualify, beneficiary countries must ratify and effectively implement 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, climate action, and good governance.
As part of its ongoing monitoring mechanism, the EU periodically reviews compliance with these obligations through visits and discussions with stakeholders in GSP+ countries.
The scheme provides preferential access to the EU market by granting full duty suspensions on approximately 66% of tariff lines, offering significant advantages to Sri Lankan exporters.
