  
Sajith has issued a stern warning that Sri Lanka could face the loss of its GSP+ trade concessions if proposed anti-terror legislation moves forward in its current form.
The warning comes amid mounting concern over the government’s proposed anti-terror laws, which have drawn sharp scrutiny regarding their alignment with international human rights standards and governance benchmarks required under preferential trade arrangements.
Key Developments
- Sajith cautioned that the enactment of proposed anti-terrorism legislation risks triggering the withdrawal of GSP+ status for Sri Lanka.
- The GSP+ framework grants preferential tariff access subject to compliance with international conventions.
- Concerns continue to grow regarding the potential economic consequences of losing duty-free market access.
The loss of GSP+ trade benefits would present significant headwinds for Sri Lanka’s export economy, which relies heavily on preferential market access to sustain key industries and foreign exchange earnings. With international trade partners closely monitoring legal and human rights developments, the debate over the proposed anti-terror laws underscores the critical balance the country must strike between national security frameworks and international trade commitments.