During the 23rd meeting of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission held today, the Sri Lankan Government has confirmed its intent on revisiting the provisions of the PTA with a view to make appropriate amendments. A joint statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said the 23rd meeting of the Joint Commission between Sri Lanka and the EU was held via video conference today. During the meeting, Sri Lanka has reaffirmed the commitments made to effectively implement the 27 international Conventions covered by the GSP+ scheme on human and labour rights, environment and good governance. In this context, the EU reiterated the need for Sri Lanka to amend the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and bring it in line with international standards. The EU also said it regrets Sri Lanka’s withdrawal from its co-sponsorship of the UN Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1and subsequent resolutions that incorporated and built on it.  Sri Lanka has explained how it would advance national reconciliation and action taken in accordance with its Constitution and laws. Sri Lanka announced the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged human rights violations. The EU reiterated the importance of fostering reconciliation, justice, accountability and peaceful coexistence among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities, and underlined the important role of the independent institutions established in recent years, notably the Office on Missing Persons, the Office for Reparations and the Human Rights Commission. The EU stressed the value of a fully empowered and resilient civil society, in all its diversity for any democracy. The EU expressed its continued readiness to support Sri Lanka in these efforts," the statement said.