Mrs. Kumarathunga says she played no role in the EU decision

The EU has decided to temporarily withdraw the concession, widely known as GSP+, from 15 August as Sri Lanka has failed to respond to its demands on improving the island’s human rights situation.

“In the absence of a reply from the authorities in Colombo by 1 July, the Commission is not in a position to table a proposal with a view to delaying the Council Decision,” a statement issued by the EU said.

'Statement to cabinet'

In a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former president has categorically rejected Mr. Rajapaksa's alleged statement to the cabinet of ministers.

This is utterly and completely false. I have had no role to play in the GSP+ issue or for that matter any of your government’s affairs since I retired from the Presidency Mrs. Kumarathunga's letter to President Rajapaksa

“The statement in question was that, I the former President influenced the European Union to withdraw the GSP+ facilities to Sri Lanka. This is utterly and completely false. I have had no role to play in the GSP+ issue or for that matter any of your government’s affairs since I retired from the Presidency,” Mrs. Kumarathunga's letter said.

Admitting that she is still involved with the EU in various occasions, Mrs. Kumarathunga says the same accusations was levelled against her by Minister Prof. Peiris after her address to a high level EU meeting in 2008.

She recalls that the GSP+ facilities were granted to Sri Lanka during her presidency.

“There were certain conditions stipulated for the grant and thereafter the extensions of this facility. I understand the government has yet to fulfil these undertakings,” the letter, which was also released to the media,added.