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EU-Lanka talks: Focus on ‘Independent Institutions, civil society and security law

Published

5 years ago

2022/02/10

The European Union (EU) has underlined the importance of independence and effective functioning of the Independent Institutions in Sri Lanka. The EU and Sri Lanka have agreed on the importance of empowering civil society and giving it the necessary space to function in all its diversity. The EU reiterated its continued commitment to support Sri Lanka in justice reform and reconciliation, the EU and Sri Lanka said in a joint statement issued yesterday (09)

The EU has stressed on the Independent Institutions and the civil society after Sri Lanka apprised the EU delegation on the progress being made in reconciliation and in the independent institutions, notably the Office of Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for Reparations (OR), the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). The EU strongly encouraged Sri Lanka to continue cooperation and engagement with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms.

The following is the text of the statement issued following on Feb 8 talks in Brussels: “The meeting, which was held in a friendly and open atmosphere, reviewed bilateral relations and entailed an exchange of views and updates on a wide range of topics of bilateral interest – ranging from governance, reconciliation and human rights, to trade, development cooperation, climate change and environment, sectoral cooperation, security and counter-terrorism, and cooperation in multilateral fora.

With respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU congratulated Sri Lanka on the country’s effective vaccine strategy. Highlighting the need to address vulnerabilities and inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic, the EU emphasised its commitment to making the COVID-19 vaccine accessible to low- and middle-income countries in a fair and equitable manner. Sri Lanka appreciated the EU’s continued contribution to global vaccine equity.

The meeting provided an opportunity for updates on developments, relevant action and legislative initiatives in the EU and Sri Lanka. The discussion focused on democracy, governance, rule of law, human rights, including the rights of minorities, women, children and labour rights, and freedom of expression and association.

Sri Lanka reiterated its objective to achieve measurable, tangible and verifiable results on the ground in meeting its commitments. In this context, the EU welcomed the submission by the Government of Sri Lanka of amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). However, the EU noted that important elements had not been included in the Amendment Bill gazetted. Sri Lanka took note of the views expressed by the EU to take further steps to make the PTA fully compliant with international norms. In the interim, while taking note of the administrative steps taken in the form of directives issued by the Inspector General of Police, the EU urged Sri Lanka to continue reducing the use of the PTA, and to undertake further practical and administrative steps to release on bail those detained under the PTA without charges.

The Joint Commission took stock of the conclusions of the Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation held virtually on 26 January 2022. The EU and Sri Lanka noted the significance of bilateral trade relations. In this regard, the EU strongly urged Sri Lanka to lift forthwith import restrictions preventing many European products from entering its market. Sri Lanka clarified that it has imposed temporary import restrictions on non-essential items, strictly as an interim measure, due to a foreign exchange shortfall resulting from the impact of the global pandemic. Sri Lanka noted that these measures are subject to continuous and progressive review. Sri Lanka appreciated the valued contribution of the GSP+ regime to the country’s sustainable development. The EU acknowledged the constructive engagement by Sri Lankan stake-holders during the GSP+ monitoring mission in September 2021. The two sides reviewed Sri Lanka’s compliance with 27 International Conventions related to human rights, labour rights, protection of the environment and good governance covered by the GSP+ scheme. Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to effective implementation of the 27 conventions, and noted its adherence to the principle of non-discrimination, and the removal of any further impediments in the exercise of labour rights and fundamental freedoms. The EU invited Sri Lanka to provide further updates on progress.

The Joint Commission also discussed the conclusions of the Working Group on Development Cooperation, which took place on 2 February 2022. The Working Group reviewed all aspects of EU – Sri Lanka development cooperation, and discussed priorities of the EU Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for 2021-2027. They also discussed the interventions adopted in 2021, including the COVID-19 response package. The EU noted that the MIP, which focuses on Green Recovery and Inclusive and Peaceful Society, supports Sri Lanka’s development priorities, and is aligned with the external dimensions of the European Green Deal, and the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Appreciating the EU’s development cooperation, Sri Lanka reiterated the need for it to complement Sri Lanka’s national and developmental priorities. The EU and Sri Lanka expressed their commitment to work together on joint priorities under the MIP.

The EU and Sri Lanka agreed on the importance of continued cooperation in deterring and eliminating IUU fishing practices, and honouring commitments of the partnership.

Issues related to migration and readmission were also discussed.

The EU and Sri Lanka exchanged on ways to deepen cooperation in higher education and research and technical cooperation under the Erasmus+ programme, the Marie-Sklodowska-Curie programme, and the Horizon Europe framework programme.

The EU welcomed Sri Lanka’s update on its Nationally Determined Contributions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the country’s commitment to ambitious targets. The EU looked forward to working closely with Sri Lanka, bilaterally and in multilateral fora, on climate action and environment protection. Both sides exchanged views on priorities ahead of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27).

The EU and Sri Lanka reviewed ongoing cooperation in the area of security and counter-terrorism. Sri Lanka appreciated the EU’s continued listing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organisation. Both sides stressed the importance of adherence to international norms and standards in the fight against terrorism. They reiterated willingness to further enhance cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness.

The EU and Sri Lanka highlighted their commitment to continue joint efforts in the promotion of a rules-based international order and effective multilateralism. They also discussed regional developments, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean. The EU presented Global Gateway, the new EU plan for major investments in infrastructure development around the world, which was launched on 1 December 2021. The initiative was welcomed by Sri Lanka.

The EU and Sri Lanka agreed to convene the next Joint Commission meeting in Colombo in 2023. They also discussed the timeframe of the next Working Group meetings under the Joint Commission.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service, and Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage, Secretary, Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka.”

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Gul, Kharote spin Afghanistan to victory over Japan in Asian Games opener

Published

9 hours ago

2026/09/24

Priyan

(File pic) Arab Gul took 4 for 8 in the opening match of the men's cricket competition ( Cricinfo)

Right-arm wristspinner Arab Gul, took 4 for 8 on T20I debut and left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote picked up 3 for 19 as Afghanistan successfully defended a modest 129 against Japan to open their Asian Games men’s competition campaign with two points in Group A.

Two days after nearly beating India in a rain-shortened game in Sano, hosts Japan made a steady start to the chase and reached 53 for 2 in the eighth over before losing their way.

Gul did much of the damage, taking two wickets apiece in the 12th and 14th overs as Japan slid from 60 for 4 to 63 for 8. Abdollah Ahmadzai and Kharote then finished off the lower order, with Japan bowled out for 81 in 19.3 overs.

Asked to bat first, Afghanistan had posted 129 for 6, with Mohammad Akram making 34, captain Darwish Rasooli 29 and Karim Janat 21.

But it was Mohammad Ishaq’s unbeaten 25 off 17 balls from No. 6 that provided the late impetus after Japan had kept Afghanistan to under six an over for the first 15 overs. Right-arm seamer Shoma Sugaya-Slater and offspinner Ibrahim Takahashi took two wickets apiece for Japan.

The two sides have games against Nepal lined up in Group A. The top two teams from the group will proceed to the quarter-finals.

Scores:

Afghanistan 129 for 6 in 20 overs (Mohhamad Akram 34, Karim Janat 21, Darwish Rasooli 29, Mohammad Ishaq 25*; Reo Sakurano Thomas 1-05, Shoma Sugaya-Slater 2-18, Ibrahim Takanashi 2-19) beat Japan 81 in 19.3 overs (Reo Sakurano- Thomas 23, Kendel Kadowwaki Fleming 14, Benjamin Ito Davis 17; Arab Gul 4-8, Abdullah Ahmadzai 2-13, Nangeyalia Khan 3-19, Najibullah Zadran 1-07 ) by 48 runs

(Cricinfo)

News

BASL calls for conscience vote on 22nd Amendment

Published

23 hours ago

2026/09/24

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday called on all political parties, represented in Parliament, to allow their members to vote on the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution according to their conscience, stressing that the responsibility for deciding whether the Bill should be enacted now rests with Parliament.

In a statement issued after the Supreme Court’s determination on the 22nd Amendment Bill, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya and General Secretary Nalin de Silva have said the SC’s determination should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the proposed constitutional amendment as a matter of policy.

The BASL has said the SC’s jurisdiction, under Articles 120, 121 and 123 of the Constitution, was to determine the constitutional requirements for the enactment of the Bill, including whether the Bill, or any of its provisions, required approval at a referendum under Article 83.

“The determination is therefore not a determination as to whether the proposed amendment is good or bad policy, desirable or undesirable, wise or unwise, or whether Parliament ought to enact it,” the BASL said.

Full text of the BASL statement: The Supreme Court has now delivered its Determination on the Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution Bill and determined that the Bill does not require the approval of the People at a Referendum.

In terms of Articles 120, 121 and 123 of the Constitution, the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in relation to the Bill is to determine the constitutional requirements for its enactment, including importantly whether the Bill, or any provision thereof, requires the approval of the People at a Referendum by virtue of Article 83.

The Determination is therefore not a determination as to whether the proposed Amendment is good or bad policy, desirable or undesirable, wise or unwise, or whether Parliament ought to enact it.

This distinction is also evident from Sri Lanka’s previous constitutional amendments. During the 48 year history of the second republican Constitution there have been many amendments which passed constitutional muster but nevertheless had a negative effect on democracy, constitutionalism, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

The question that now arises is whether Parliament ought to enact the proposed Amendment. That responsibility rests with Parliament and with each individual Member of Parliament when they vote on the Bill.

In making that decision, Members of Parliament should be mindful of the possible and probable consequences the 22nd Amendment will have on our nation. They should also consider the lack of transparency and a proper consultative process in the introduction of the 22nd Amendment. As representatives of the people they should also consider the concerns that have been expressed in relation to the proposed Amendment by a broad cross-section of society including the Maha Nayakes of the Three Nikayas, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka, the Church of Ceylon, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the Judicial Service Association, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, LAWASIA, the International Association of Judges, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, the French National Bar Council, and more than 40 Professional Associations and Unions, including the Government Medical Officers’ Association and other leading professional bodies.

Accordingly, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka calls upon all the political parties in Parliament to allow the Members of Parliament to speak and vote on the 22nd Amendment according to their conscience.

The responsibility now lies with Members of Parliament, when called upon to vote, to take a principled position according to their conscience giving due consideration to their constitutional responsibility, their representative capacity and most importantly their duty to the sovereign People of Sri Lanka.

News

IMF: Sri Lanka on course for 2027 market return

Published

23 hours ago

2026/09/24

Sahan Weerasooriya

SL to regain access to international financial and capital markets next year in line with IMF projections

Sri Lanka is on course to regain access to international financial and capital markets around 2027, in line with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) current economic projections, IMF Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou said yesterday.

Papageorgiou said the IMF’s core assumptions under Sri Lanka’s economic programme continued to envisage the country returning to international capital markets in 2027.

“Our previous assumption that Sri Lanka will go back to capital markets still stands. We still have a good trajectory to achieving this in 2027 or thereabouts, and that should be the goal,” he said.

Papageorgiou stressed that Sri Lanka could not rely solely on domestic sources of financing to build long-term economic resilience and would need a diversified funding strategy.

“Every country needs to have a good ability to access funds both in domestic markets, as it already has, as well as international markets for eurobonds and other modes,” he said.

He said a return to international capital markets would have significant implications for Sri Lanka’s external debt composition, while strengthening foreign exchange reserves would remain essential as the country prepares to meet future debt-servicing obligations.

The IMF’s assessment comes amid improving international investor sentiment towards Sri Lanka and positive developments in the country’s sovereign credit ratings.

Papageorgiou cited Fitch’s recent upgrade of Sri Lanka’s credit rating as a positive development, saying global investors were increasingly viewing the country from a more constructive perspective.

Sri Lanka remains under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme, which is scheduled to continue until March 20, 2027. Regaining access to international capital markets remains a key milestone under the country’s broader economic recovery.

The IMF has stressed the importance of rebuilding Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange buffers and maintaining stability in domestic financial markets as the country approaches substantial external debt repayments.

A sustained improvement in these areas would help strengthen the country’s capacity to return to international markets while safeguarding macroeconomic stability, the IMF has indicated.