Lanka ratifies conventions - ready for GSP Plus renewal
Sri Lanka has ratified and implemented the international conventions
on human and labour rights, good governance and environment which are
required by a country to qualify for the renewal of the GSP Plus scheme,
said Senior State Counsel, Attorney General's Department, Janak de
Silva.
He was addressing a seminar on 'Exporting to the European Union (EU)-the
way forward for Sri Lanka' organised by the National Chamber of
Exporters of Sri Lanka. de Silva said while the Constitution guarantees
the fundamental rights of every citizen the violation of rights are
dealt with judicial interventions.
The freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom from torture
and the right to reside are guaranteed in Articles 10 to 14 of the
Constitution.
While a state ratifies the Conventions by signing them, it implements
it by making them the law of the land.
The laws have to be enforced by the state.The Supreme Court, the
Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration and the Human Rights
Commission of Sri Lanka are the institutional structures enforcing the
law.
Judicial interventions have taken place to prevent large scale sand
mining, air pollution and the famous Eppawela phosphate case.
Of the 27 international Conventions 16 are on human and labour rights
and the rest are on environment and good governance.
Ambassador to the EU in Sri Lanka Julian Wilson said it is now up to
the government to ratify and implement the Conventions if it is to enjoy
the GSP Plus benefits from 2009 to 2011.
The GSP Plus scheme granted by the EU in 2005 will expire at the end
of the year.
LF |