Sri Lanka is 'trying to secure' GSP+ for another term, says Mr. Peiris

"Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other interested parties" are accused of trying to impress upon the international community that there is no mechanism in the island to implement international treaties on human rights.

Minister in charge of investment promotion, Prof. GL Peiris, told journalists in Colombo that the groups are trying to stop tax reliefs offered by the EU for 7500 Sri Lankan products.

GSP+ scheme

After a fact finding mission in Sri Lanka, a three-member group of EU representatives warned that the country's human rights situation would be taken into account when the GST+ agreement is renewed.

The Generalised System of Preferences plus-scheme is to be renewed later this year.

	Minister says the former president has met an EU commissioner in Brussels

The EU said that it noted with concern that the Independent International Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) has decided to terminate its work with the Presidential Commission of Inquiry because, in the IIGEP’s view, the Commission of Inquiry does not meet international standards.

The EU remains of the belief that the IIGEP, which includes four Eminent Persons from Asia, has performed its functions with professionalism and impartiality, the statement said.

If the EU decide to impose tax on Sri Lanka's exports, mainly from the garment industry, thousands of garment workers risk losing their employment.

Supreme Court determination

The Supreme Court has determined, Prof. GL Peiris said, that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is adequately recognised by the constitution.

The judiciary has made the determination on an opinion sought by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Accusing the unnamed parties of trying to sabotage the tax relief offered by the EU, Minister Peiris said the government is working hard to secure the GST+ for another term.

However, he warned that Sri Lanka sovereignty would not be undermined in resolving the national question.

Sri Lanka "would not bend to any external pressure," on this regard, the minister who was the chief government negotiator for peace talks with the Tamil Tigers said.

When a journalist questioned whether former President Chandrika Kumaratunga was among the onspirators' against the country, he said Mrs. Kumaratunga has had lunch with EU Commissioner for External Affairs, Benita Ferrero-Waldner in Brussels.