The European Union expressed its “strong concern” over Sri Lanka’s import ban, trade restrictions, and also hoped that the country would make amendments in its anti-terrorism law in line with the internationally accepted human rights norms.

The issues were raised during the 23rd EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting held virtually on January 25. The EU also pressed Sri Lanka for "reconciliation" among its diverse communities while "regretting" the withdrawal of Sri Lanka’s co-sponsorship of the UN Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1.

Following the global pandemic, the Sri Lanka government had imposed the import restriction in April 2020.

“In this regard, among other things, the EU also stressed that open and fair trade requires a level playing field, and expressed its strong concerns about Sri Lanka’s import restrictions imposed since April 2020, following COVID-19, which have a negative impact on European businesses,” reads a joint statement released the EU and Sri Lanka.

The EU further asked Sri Lanka to notify these measures to the World Trade Organisation. On the trade front, the EU is the second-largest export market, around €2.3 billion, for Sri Lankan goods.

During the meeting, the EU also pressed Sri Lanka for changes in terrorism laws. “The Sri Lankan government confirmed its intent on revisiting the provisions of the PTA with a view to making the appropriate amendments,” reads the joint statement.

On the EU’s concern over human rights and reconciliation, the Sri Lankan delegation “explained how it would advance national reconciliation and action taken in accordance with its Constitution and laws.” It also informed the EU delegation about the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged human rights violations.

Stressing on the ‘importance of resilient civil society’, the EU said, they would extend its support for Sri Lanka’s efforts in this regard. It also appreciated Sri Lanka’s government to environmental conservation efforts, especially the efforts to reverse the biodiversity loss by 2030. The EU Commission extended its future cooperation in the area.

The EU delegated also appreciated Sri Lanka’s decision to maintain “its moratorium on executions and encouraged it to legally abolish the death penalty.”

During the meeting, Sri Lanka thanked the EU for its grant assistance of €22 million to support its efforts in dealing with the pandemic.