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‘Necessary’ amendments to PTA in six months

30 Sep 2021

  • Justice Ministry gives timeline to EU GSP+ Monitoring Mission
BY Pamodi Waravita  The Justice Ministry has stated that the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, No. 48 of 1979 as amended (PTA) would be amended within the next six months, Justice Ministry Secretary M.M.P.K. Mayadunne told The Morning yesterday (29). This assurance was given to the visiting European Union’s (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade concessions Monitoring Mission for the Third Cycle during its meeting with the Justice Ministry on Tuesday (28). “We assured the delegation that the PTA will face some necessary amendments within the next six months. The Cabinet Sub-Committee (SC) appointed to make recommendations with regard to this is done with almost 95% of its work. The delegation seemed happy with the discussion,” said Mayadunne. He added that the wider discussion also focused on the extensive justice reforms programme which is currently being conducted by the Justice Ministry, with a special emphasis on the digitisation and digitalisation of the justice system. The European Parliament, earlier this year, called on the Government of Sri Lanka to repeal the PTA and for the European Commission (EC) to consider the temporary withdrawal of the GSP+ from Sri Lanka if it is not done. Meanwhile, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a three Member Advisory Board, under Section 13 of the PTA, to make recommendations on actions to be taken on detainees including remand prisoners and convicts held under the PTA. GSP+ gives Sri Lanka preferential access to markets in the EU and especially benefits the fisheries and apparels industries. The Mission is comprised of EC Senior Advisor on Trade and Sustainable Development Nikolaos Zaimis, European External Action Service (EEAS) South Asia Division Head Ioannis Giogkarakis Argyropoulos, EC GSP Trade Preferences Coordinator Guido Dolara, EC Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion Unit Head Lluis Prats, EEAS Desk Officer for Sri Lanka Monika Bylaite, and EEAS Human Rights Policy Officer Paolo Salvia. The Mission is to conclude its visit on 5 October.


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