EU Urged to Review GSP+ Trade Concession to Sri Lanka – Human Rights Watch

17-Jun-2026

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Human Rights Watch has called on the European Union to reassess Sri Lanka’s GSP+ trade concession, citing delays in repealing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

In a report, the organisation highlighted the continued use of the PTA, including the recent arrest of a 24-year-old Tamil singer, Ganeshkumar Sangeethsan, for allegedly promoting and praising the LTTE through a song.

Despite repeated government pledges to repeal the law, it remains in force. The report notes that the PTA has been used extensively against minority communities, journalists, and activists.

It further stated that the law allows prolonged detention without charge and has been used based on coerced confessions.

Human Rights Watch urged the Sri Lankan government to suspend the use of the PTA and called on the EU to review GSP+ privileges in light of non-fulfilment of commitments.