A high-level diplomatic meeting took place today between the European Union (EU) delegation and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa at the Opposition Leader’s office in Colombo.
The EU delegation was led by EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Carmen Moreno, and included Charles Whiteley, Head of the South Asia Division (ASIAPAC.6) of the European External Action Service; Lars Bredel, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation; Guido Dollara, Policy Officer at the European Commission; Galija Agiseva, Country Representative of the European External Action Service; Bartosz Władysław Otachel, Policy Officer at the European Commission; and Michele Dodini, Policy Officer of the European External Action Service.
During the meeting, both parties engaged in extensive discussions on a range of social, economic, and political issues affecting Sri Lanka. A key point of discussion was the future of the GSP+ trade concession. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa emphasized the need for greater access to European markets for Sri Lankan exports, particularly garments. He noted that enhanced market opportunities within the EU could help boost Sri Lanka’s export income and mitigate the adverse effects of the 44% countervailing duty currently imposed by the United States on Sri Lankan exports.
Representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), several prominent figures participated in the meeting. These included former Parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne; Parliamentarians Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena, S. M. Marikkar, and Mujibur Rahuman; as well as Professor Ananda Jayawickrama, Professor Kennedy Gunawardena, Professor Chandima Wijegunawardena, Dr. Maheem Mendis, Dr. Athulasiri Samarakoon, Dr. Nadeesha de Silva, Suranga Ranasinghe, Kasum Wijethilaka, and Dilum Alagiyawanna.
