In the year 2016, Cabinet approval was granted for the establishment of a National Trade Felicitation Committee for the empowerment of the Trade Felicitation Agreement (TFA) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the inter-coordination of institutions in respect of the implementation of 36 obligations included therein. Sri Lanka has committed to implement the plan for implementation of trade facilitation during the period 2017-2030 thereunder.

Even though countries in the region have fulfilled a higher percentage of the overall commitment, Sri Lanka has only fulfilled about 37.4% of
the total commitment. Taking into consideration the prevailing situation, technical assistance has been requested from the Japan International Coordination Agency with the technical expertise of the International Trade Center to provide independent recommendations enabling the implementation of priority activities on a speedy basis after completion of the assessment of the trade facilitation measures.

Accordingly, “Roadmap for trade facilitation in Sri Lanka” and “Trade Facilitation Action Plan 2025-2028” have been prepared with the participation of about 200 public and private stakeholders.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by  the
President to follow the said roadmap and implement the action plan.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Investment Promotion to sign the proposed non-financial  Memorandum of Understanding between the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and the International Trade Center to commence an ‘ITC She Trades Hub’ in Sri Lanka to increase the participation and competitiveness in the businesses operated by  women.

Once the ‘ITC She Trades Hub ‘ is established, the women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka will be able to obtain the necessary training in the relevant topics, such as market and investment opportunities and the required technical assistance.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms to publish the draft  bill amending the Penal Code to prohibit corporal punishment in any form or whatsoever, in the Gazette and thereafter submit it to the Parliament for approval.