The European Union’s approval of Sri Lanka’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) application is a landmark moment; It truly shows how far Sri Lanka has come in recent years and must be seen as an endorsement of the national unity government’s reforms, UNP General Secretary Minister Kabir Hashim said. 

"GSP+ approval criteria is very strictly set to ensure those countries approved are implementing good governance and sustainable development. In effect Ranil’s UNP led government has secured international recognition of improvements in Sri Lanka in human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and good governance," he said. 

The Minister also added, "When Sri Lanka lost the GSP+ concession in 2010 those were dark times for the country. Since then UNP led reforms have embarked on an ambitious programmeof major reforms aiming for national reconciliation, respect of human rights, the rule of law and good governance principles, as well as sustainable economic development.

These progressive reforms now have a practical economic outcome in that GSP+ will offer huge opportunities for Sri Lankan business. Under GSP+ status Sri Lanka qualifies to export its products tax-free to the European market. The EU is Sri Lanka's biggest export market accounting for nearly one-third of Sri Lanka's global exports. Last year exports to the EU were worth 2.8 Billion euros.

Truly Sri Lanka is on the right track in terms of good governance, international diplomacy and economic prosperity. The UNP led government can take enormous credit for this and as a nation we can look forward to a brighter future."