Joint Press Release following the meeting of the working group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the European Union-Sri Lanka Joint Commission, held 13-14 March 2017

The second meeting of the Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights under the European Union-Sri Lanka Joint Commission was held in Colombo 13-14 March 2017.

During this meeting, both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights domestically and globally and to collaborate on the effective implementation of international human rights instruments.

There was also a detailed exchange of information on many important ongoing reforms, such as Constitution-making, as well as replacing the Prevention of Terrorism Act and amending the Code of Criminal Procedure Act to bring them in line with international standards. Both sides recognised the need for further progress on reconciliation. The parties also discussed Sri Lanka's application under the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) which is currently under consideration by the European Parliament and the Council.

ESO: Background information: Commission proposes enhanced market access for Sri Lanka as reform incentive http://www.europeansources.info/record/commission-proposes-enhanced-market-access-for-sri-lanka-as-reform-incentive/

ESO: Background information: Meeting between the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe http://www.europeansources.info/record/meeting-between-the-high-representative-of-the-union-for-foreign-affairs-and-security-policy-vice-president-of-the-european-commission-federica-mogherini-and-the-prime-minister-of-sri-lanka-ranil-wi/

EU: EEAS: Sri Lanka and the EU https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/1827/sri-lanka-and-eu_en

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