REFUGEE

Colombo: Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama today held discussions with the European Union envoy to Sri Lanka Ambassador Bernard Savage on the European Commission's decision to propose a suspension of the System of Preferences plus (GSP+) facility to Sri Lanka.

Minister Bogollagama conveyed to the EU envoy that any hasty decisions by the Commission at this time can be construed as an attempt to influence the upcoming presidential elections in Sri Lanka.

Regrettably this perception has been reinforced by the timing of the Commission's 15th December announcement on its intent to temporarily suspend the EU GSP+ facility to Sri Lanka, the Minister said.

Supporters of the government say the EU is in a conspiracy with the opposition parties in the country to topple the government at the upcoming elections by announcing their decision to coincide with the nominations for the presidential election.

The suspension of trade concessions given by the EU to Sri Lankan exports to go duty free in European markets will affect Sri Lanka's garment industry increasing the unemployment in the country which is certain to be detrimental to the present administration.