Focus on PSTA: SL mission in Brussels stresses need to reapply for GSP+

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Amidst EU warning that the enactment of the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) could jeopardise Sri Lanka’s continued access to the EU’s GSP+ (Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus) trade concessions, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels said that from 1 January 2027, the revised EU GSP would renew the EU’s preferential trade framework and provide continued support to LDCs (Least Developed Countries). All GSP+ beneficiaries, including Sri Lanka, would have to reapply for GSP+ under the new cycle before 31 December 2028.

The EU has urged Sri Lanka to narrow the definition of terrorism to align with international standards. Critics and legal bodies note that the current draft defines terrorism too broadly—potentially criminalising peaceful protests, civil society work, or political dissent.

The text of the statement issued by the mission in Brussels: “Sri Lanka was represented at a high-level conference hosted by the European Commission on 4 November 2026 in Brussels, where the country’s apparel industry was highlighted. The event marked the 25th anniversary of the European Union’s Everything But Arms (EBA) arrangement and introduced the new GSP, providing an opportunity to discuss the EU’s trade preferences for developing countries and LDCs.

For 25 years, the EU’s EBA arrangement has provided LDCs with duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market for all products except arms and ammunition. From 1 January 2027, the revised EU GSP will renew the EU’s preferential trade framework and provide continued support to LDCs. All GSP+ beneficiaries, including Sri Lanka, must reapply for GSP+ under the new cycle before 31 December 2028. Discussions explored how the EBA and GSP schemes could continue to support developing countries through trade opportunities while strengthening international partnerships, investment and sustainable economic growth.

Representing Sri Lanka’s Mission to the European Union in Brussels, Ambassador Chandana Weerasena and Minister (Commercial) Thavishya Mullegamgoda participated in the conference. The Ambassador also participated in an interview conducted by the Directorate-General for Trade of the European Commission, explaining the significance of the event to Sri Lanka and highlighting the opportunities offered by the renewed EU GSP scheme. He noted that Europe remained one of Sri Lanka’s main export destinations. As a beneficiary of the EU GSP+ scheme, Sri Lanka had benefited significantly through enhanced export competitiveness, the promotion of export-oriented industries, increased investment in export-focused sectors and integration into global supply and value chains. These benefits had also contributed to employment generation and improved livelihoods, particularly among vulnerable communities and women.

A key highlight for Sri Lanka was the participation of Secretary-General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum of Sri Lanka, Yohan Lawrence, as a panelist in the discussion titled “Business Opportunities through GSP/EBA”. His participation provided an opportunity to present the perspective of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry on market access, export opportunities, sustainable industry development, compliance with EU regulations and future trade partnerships with the European Union. Apparel remained Sri Lanka’s leading merchandise export sector to the European market, and the discussion highlighted the positive contribution of EU GSP trade preferences to the industry and the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people in Sri Lanka. During the discussion, Ambassador Weerasena requested the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) to organise an Investment Forum in Sri Lanka with the participation of European investors. The initiative aimed to expand export-oriented manufacturing, promote export diversification across the country and increase the utilisation of GSP+ benefits.

The panel examined how predictable market access through the GSP and EBA arrangements could support exporters, investors and value-chain development, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and women-owned and women-managed businesses. The discussion also highlighted the importance of trade preferences in strengthening business competitiveness and creating opportunities for companies in developing countries to access international markets.

Apparel remained Sri Lanka’s largest merchandise export sector, generating approximately US$ 5 billion annually and accounting for over 40% of total merchandise exports. Fabric and textiles contributed approximately US$ 522 million. The European Union accounted for slightly over 30% of Sri Lanka’s apparel exports. During the first half of 2026, Sri Lanka exported US$ 705 million worth of apparel to the EU, largely benefiting from GSP+ trade preferences. Sri Lanka will continue to enjoy GSP+ benefits during the transitional period from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028 and remains committed to reapplying for the EU GSP+ scheme under the new GSP regulation to ensure continuity of this important trade preference.

The conference, held on 4 November 2026 in Brussels, featured keynote speeches by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič; Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, Bernd Lange. It brought together representatives of the European Union, partner countries, international and regional organisations, businesses, social partners, civil society, academia and other stakeholders.

Four key messages emerged from the conference: predictability remained essential for investment and trade; non-tariff barriers, including rules of origin, certification and regulatory compliance, increasingly determined effective market access; EU GSP and the EU Global Gateway needed closer coordination to strengthen productive capacity and local value addition; and success extended beyond export volumes to include decent employment, SME participation and economic diversification. The conference also highlighted the importance of continued dialogue between policymakers and the private sector in identifying opportunities, addressing trade-related challenges and strengthening mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

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Govt. plans to expand FTA with India and seek new FTAs with China and other key trading partners

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the present government is planning to sign new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and revise existing agreements as part of efforts to expand Sri Lanka’s international trade and investment opportunities.

Delivering the 2027 Budget speech in Parliament, the President said the Government was looking to strengthen trade relations with key partners, including China and India, while expanding trade engagements with Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He said the Government had appointed a committee to oversee efforts to expand Sri Lanka’s existing Free Trade Agreement with India.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is exploring the possibility of entering into a new Free Trade Agreement with China as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations.

President Dissanayake stressed the importance of reaching trade agreements with other countries as Sri Lanka faces emerging global challenges and new business opportunities.

He said expanding and strengthening trade agreements would be important in positioning the country to respond to changing international economic conditions and improve access to overseas markets.

The President noted that the Government’s efforts to pursue new agreements and revise existing FTAs formed part of its broader strategy to strengthen international economic cooperation, attract investment and promote trade-led economic growth.

President Dissanayake commenced delivering the 2027 Budget speech in Parliament at 1.40 p.m. today.

Anojan Sivarasa released, to be brought back to Sri Lanka – Foreign Minister

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Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath says that Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, who was facing charges in Saudi Arabia, has been released as the Public Prosecution of Saudi Arabia has decided to discontinue the case against him.

The death sentence imposed on Sivarasa had recently been overturned by the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia.

Speaking during a press briefing today (11), the minister said that Anojan no longer has a case against him in a Saudi court and that although he currently remains in custody he is expected to be brought back to Sri Lanka within a week or two.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath said that steps would be taken to bring him back to Sri Lanka.

Family members of Anojan Sivarasa visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today and expressed their gratitude to the President, the Ministry and all government institutions and officials involved for their efforts and commitment in securing their son’s release, the ministry said in a statement.

Minister Herath said that Anojan’s release was made possible through the proper guidance of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, his diplomatic intervention and the efforts of other diplomatic officials.

The Minister also acknowledged the role played by the Government and the judiciary of Saudi Arabia, the diplomatic institutions and officials of both Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka, and the team of lawyers who travelled to Saudi Arabia to assist with the matter.

On 17 September 2026, a Saudi Court of Appeal in the Eastern Region sentenced Anojan Sivarasa to death over charges relating to a Facebook post considered offensive.

Following diplomatic and other interventions, the Saudi court overturned the death sentence on 14 October 2026. However, diplomatic efforts continued to secure his release from the remaining penalties as well.

As a result of these continued efforts, the Saudi Public Prosecution Office decided on 9 November 2026 not to pursue the legal proceedings any further, the statement added.

Pillayan and Two Others Remanded Until November 23 Over 2008 Murders

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Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, and two others arrested in connection with a series of murders carried out using a T-56 firearm in the Batticaloa area in 2008 have been further remanded until November 23.

The order was issued today (November 10) by the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court.

The suspects are accused of several killings in 2008, including the shooting deaths of two individuals, one of whom was a police officer, in the Kallady area; the shooting deaths of two others, including a member of the TMVP party, in Kattankudy; and the abduction and murder of a businessman in Karaiyakkantivu, Vavunathivu.

In April 2025, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Pillayan under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in connection with the murders. Two military intelligence informants residing in Kattankudy, identified as Mohamed Sifan and Mohamed Sakeed, were also arrested in November 2025.

The CID subsequently filed a case against Pillayan, the two intelligence informants and Mohamed Faiz, also known as ‘Police Faiz’, who is currently residing in London, before the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court on June 17, 2026.

When the case was taken up in open court today, the two remanded suspects, Mohamed Sifan and Mohamed Sakeed, were produced before the court, while Pillayan appeared via video conferencing.

Following the proceedings, the court ordered that all three suspects be further remanded until November 23.

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Trincomalee Buddha statue dispute: Arrest warrant issued against Ven. Kassapa Thera

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The Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court has issued an arrest warrant against Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera for failing to appear before court in connection with a case involving the alleged unauthorised installation of a Buddha statue along the Trincomalee coastline.

The warrant was issued by Trincomalee Magistrate M.S.M. Samsudeen when the case was taken up for hearing today (11).

The Magistrate ordered that Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera be arrested and produced before court.

The case relates to alleged unauthorised constructions along the Trincomalee coastline, including the installation of a Buddha statue without the required legal approval.

Police had named 14 individuals as suspects in connection with the incident, with Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera identified as the second suspect.

According to reports, Ven. Kassapa Thera and several other suspects failed to appear before court when the case was called.

Meanwhile, the court ordered nine suspects to report to the Trincomalee Harbour Police Station tomorrow (12) to provide statements.

Further hearings of the case have been postponed until January 6, 2027.

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Court postpones Jaffna mass grave case amid protests over police delays

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Police delays in producing a full report on suspected mass graves in the Jaffna islands have led the Kayts Magistrate’s Court to postpone the case until January 05, 2027, after lawyers for victims’ relatives protested at the lack of progress.

The magistrate ordered the case to be recalled when it was taken up on 10 November, more than a year after relatives first complained to the Kayts police.

The relatives lodged their complaint in August 2025. They asked for excavations and a fair investigation at five sites, among them Arali junction, the Mankumban Ganesha temple, Alaveddy and Mandaitivu, where they believe loved ones who disappeared 36 years ago were buried.

Swaminathan Pirakalathan, an independent member of the Velanai Pradeshiya Sabha, told journalists that lawyers for the relatives objected to the continuing delay by the District Criminal Investigation Department.

He said the lawyers, who included Lenin and Poorani Marianayagam, asked the court not to waste time questioning the military and to have the report submitted quickly.

The magistrate then fixed 5 January as the date for the case to be recalled.

The police had already sought more time on September 22, saying their investigation was not complete.

Pirakalathan said the head of the District Criminal Investigation Division told the court on 10 November that it would be hard to establish whether a military camp had stood near the suspected sites 36 years ago and who had commanded it.

He said the officer added that police wished to obtain details from the military, share them with those involved and record statements.

The officer reportedly said police were unsure whether those individuals were still alive, but would try, and that they had no objection to excavations under a court order.

Police have also told the court that gathering information on the camps that existed near the suspected burial sites is a difficult matter.

Pirakalathan said in August 2025 that nearly 60 bodies lay in a single well on the Mandaitivu estate in Jaffna.

He said an eyewitness to the disposal of the bodies was still alive.

Recalling a search operation by government forces 36 years ago, he said the fate of 84 people taken into military custody that day remained unknown.

He claimed that the military killed some of those detained and threw them into wells.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said on a private television channel last year that 17 mass graves had so far been found in Sri Lanka, although human rights activists say many more burial sites are scattered across the island.

Metro Bus Service to Expand to Jaffna by Mid-2027

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The Government has begun preliminary planning to extend its Metro luxury bus service to the Jaffna District, with operations expected to commence by mid-2027.

As part of the preparations, a special route inspection and trial run were conducted in Jaffna yesterday (10) to identify suitable roads for Metro buses and assess the infrastructure required for the proposed service.

The inspection focused on identifying routes suitable for low-floor buses, assessing the technical requirements of the vehicles and determining appropriate locations for new bus stops.

Plans also include providing parking facilities for private vehicles near the proposed bus stops.

The Government aims to launch the Metro bus service in Jaffna by mid-2027.

Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said the Metro bus service, initially launched as a pilot project with 10 buses, had now expanded to a fleet of 122 buses.

The service currently operates across the Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara Districts, while Jaffna and Kandy have been selected for the next phase of expansion, he said.

Under the national plan extending until 2029, the project is expected to be implemented through Sri Lanka Metro Transit Company with full Government funding.

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Sri Lanka’s proposed terrorism law must respect human rights – UN experts

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The Government of Sri Lanka must revise the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), to ensure the bill is consistent with international human rights law, UN experts said.

“We welcome the proposed repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1979, which enabled many serious human rights violations, including torture and enforced disappearances, committed before, during and since the horrific 26-year civil war in Sri Lanka, including abuse against minorities, human rights defenders, journalists and civil society,” the experts said.

They noted the Sri Lankan Government had presented a much-improved latest draft of the PSTA in response to feedback, but emphasised that some vital concerns remain to be addressed.

The experts said detention orders must be subject to prompt and effective judicial control and oversight, including to test the legality, necessity and proportionality of the detention and order release.

“The Independent Review Committee that hears detention appeals must be genuinely independent, and its decisions binding,” they said.

“Detainees must be guaranteed access to legal counsel, interpretation, independent medical examination, legal aid, family contact and prompt visits by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka,” the experts said. “Transfers from detention must be recorded and reported to prevent enforced disappearances and incommunicado detention.”

They called for the definition of terrorism to be limited to acts intentionally causing death or serious injury, and to exclude mere property damage.

“Expression-related offences must involve a likelihood of causing terrorist violence,” the experts said.

The experts called for the arrest, question and search powers of the armed forces to be abolished to prevent abuse, given the history of military violations, and warned that powers to prevent terrorism offences must be tightened and subject to judicial oversight. The criteria and thresholds for proscribing organisations should be clarified and raised, time limits imposed on proscription, and cumulative time limits imposed on restriction orders and the power to prohibit places.

The experts called for stronger procedural protections. All evidence or statements obtained unlawfully, by torture or ill-treatment, must be excluded from proceedings. Due process concerning the non-disclosure of evidence on security grounds should be strengthened. Information relating to journalistic sources, legal privilege, professional confidentiality and human rights monitoring must be protected from disclosure.

“Presidential authority to direct how the law would be enforced must be limited, and the Prevention of Terrorism Act should not apply transitionally after the PSTA comes into force.”

“The Government must strengthen oversight, accountability and prompt and effective remedies for violations of human rights and of legal authority under the PSTA. This includes ensuring release from detention, exclusion of evidence, disciplinary or criminal liability of officials, and reparation for victims, such as compensation, rehabilitation, apology and guarantees of non-repetition,,” the experts said.

“It is unacceptable that the PSTA would confer immunities on officials for wrongful acts,” they said.

“Countering terrorism is only effective if human rights are respected.”

The experts addressed concerns about an earlier draft of the PSTA to the Government and called for consultation with stakeholders, including civil society. They also recently addressed related reforms, including bills regulating NGOs and on organised crime.

The experts offered technical assistance to the authorities to improve the bill.

Speaker receives Supreme Court determination on PSTA Bill

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The Supreme Court determination on the petitions filed challenging the Protection of the State from Terrorism (PSTA) Bill has been received by the Speaker of House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, the Speaker’s Office confirmed today (10).

The Supreme Court commenced hearing into a series of petitions filed challenging the proposed Organized Crime Prevention Bill on November 04, 2026.

The petitions were taken up before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Abeykoon.

A total of 26 petitions were filed challenging the proposed legislation.

The petitioners claimed that certain provisions of the Bill violate fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

The petitions were filed by several parties, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).

The Supreme Court resumed hearing the petitions for the second day, on the grounds that they are inconsistent with the Constitution, yesterday (09).

Accordingly, the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court yesterday that the government had proposed several amendments to the Bill.

Among the key amendments, the Attorney General informed the Court that the provision permitting a person to be detained for up to 72 hours would be amended to reduce the maximum detention period to 48 hours.

The Attorney General further indicated that provisions relating to tattoos and body marks, which had been included in the proposed legislation, would be removed through amendments.

In addition, the government has proposed removing all offences under the Excise Ordinance included in the Bill, as well as offences relating to copyright under intellectual property violations.

Another significant proposed amendment concerns a clause requiring prior court approval before information relating to cases involving serious crimes could be published. The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court that this provision would also be withdrawn.

Court was also informed that amendments concerning the detention of arrested persons and the issuance of detention orders would be considered at a later stage.

At the conclusion of the hearing yesterday, the Supreme Court announced that its confidential determination on the constitutionality of the Bill would be communicated to the Speaker of Parliament House and the President.

India–Sri Lanka economic ties spotlights inaugural Colombo Port City Investor Forum in India

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Building on the longstanding economic relationship between India and Sri Lanka, the Colombo Port City Investor Forum, held at the Hyatt Regency, Chennai, on 4 November, explored new avenues for investment, enterprise and cross-border business partnerships.

Hosted by the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, in collaboration with Port City Colombo (PCC), the forum brought together over 200 participants, including business leaders from the real estate, financial services, logistics, IT and technology sectors, representatives of leading Indian industry chambers, investors and policymakers, to explore how closer commercial engagement can create opportunities for businesses in both countries. The invitation-only forum marked Port City Colombo’s first investor forum in India, underscoring its commitment to deepening engagement with the Indian business and investment community and translating longstanding bilateral economic ties into tangible business opportunities.

The program opened with an address by Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka for Southern India Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran. “India and Sri Lanka are bound by geography, history and commerce, and that relationship is stronger than ever. There is considerable scope to deepen these ties through greater business engagement and investment. Chennai, with its strong industrial base and entrepreneurial ecosystem, is an important market for this conversation. We hope the forum will help build lasting partnerships between businesses in our two countries and translate shared opportunities into meaningful economic outcomes,” he said.

A central theme of the forum was “India’s Growth Story, Strengthened: Why Sri Lanka, Why Now”, enabling Indian businesses to extend their capabilities and market reach without moving away from their domestic base. Sri Lanka’s proximity to India, shared time zone, cultural similarities and established commercial and legal institutions offer practical advantages for businesses seeking to serve regional and international markets. Discussions explored opportunities across real estate, product engineering, treasury, data analytics, cybersecurity and business process operations, alongside data centres, technology, AI and other emerging areas. The discussions also examined how investment facilitation and a predictable regulatory environment could support businesses evaluating Sri Lanka as part of their regional expansion strategies.

“For investors, the strength of a proposition lies not just in the opportunity it offers, but in the certainty of the framework within which they operate. Port City Colombo has been designed to provide that clarity through a statutory framework and defined investor safeguards. For Indian businesses looking to grow their reach, Sri Lanka offers proximity, familiarity and access to wider regional opportunities. This is about extending business capabilities and reaching new markets as a complementary partner, with the centre of growth remaining in India,” said Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera, PC. He further emphasised that Port City Colombo is a project of national importance, operating under the direct purview of the Office of Sri Lanka’s President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as Finance Minister, underscoring the Government’s interest in the project.

CHEC Port City Colombo Ltd., Deputy Managing Director Thulci Aluwihare outlined Port City Colombo’s proposition as an international business and investment destination, highlighting its position as Sri Lanka’s only foreign currency-designated Special Economic Zone. He also detailed the statutory framework underpinning the zone, which includes a single-window approval process, investor safeguards, a stabilisation mechanism, international arbitration provisions, 100% foreign ownership and the ability to transact in 16 foreign currencies, including the Indian rupee.

A panel discussion brought together TVS Vehicle Mobility Solutions CEO and CII SR Taskforce on International Business Development Co-Chairman Madhu Raghunath, JLL Senior Director and Head – Centre of Excellence, Strategic Consulting and Value & Risk Advisory, India & Sri Lanka Robin S., Amarasekera and Aluwihare to discuss sectoral opportunities, regulatory facilitation and prospects for business partnerships.

Robin S., said: “For Indian businesses exploring opportunities beyond the domestic market, geographic proximity, ease of doing business and access to new growth markets are important considerations. A clear regulatory framework and transparent incentive framework give Port City Colombo the ingredients for serious interest from India, and the conversations thus far show that interest is building.”

The Investor Forum in Chennai marks an important step in Port City Colombo’s efforts to deepen engagement with the Indian business and investment community. Going forward, continued dialogue will be pursued to further potential cross-border partnerships and unlocking new avenues for investment and collaboration.