GSP+ at risk if govt. pushes repressive terror law, says Opposition Leader

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has voiced concerns that Sri Lanka could forfeit its GSP+ trade preferences with the European Union if the government moves forward with what he described as authoritarian counter-terrorism legislation. In a special statement, Premadasa accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's administration of attempting to stifle public criticism and deflect attention from its unmet election promises.

The EU has urged Sri Lanka to repeal the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to enhance human rights and democratic protections, rather than replacing it with a more stringent law. Premadasa warned that implementing such measures could jeopardize the GSP+ scheme, which provides Sri Lankan exports preferential access to European markets.

He alleged that the proposed draft law could undermine civil, political, and human rights, while granting the government greater authority to designate individuals as terrorists. Additionally, Premadasa criticized the administration for failing to fulfill its pledges to reduce fuel and electricity expenses, alleviate poverty, and support small and medium enterprises, farmers, fishermen, and workers.

According to the Opposition Leader, the government is exploiting national security concerns as a justification to augment executive power. Premadasa urged the government to abandon any legislation that threatens democratic liberties and instead pursue constitutional reforms that safeguard fundamental rights. He emphasized that the mandate of the government is to protect the sovereignty and rights of the people, not to consolidate the ruling party's control.

His comments come as the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill and the Prevention of Organised Crime Bill have drawn criticism from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, who have raised concerns about several provisions in the draft legislation.