EU lifts fishing ban, unofficial talks to finalize GSP+ application: PM

June 17, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka has been removed from the list of third countries (countries outside the EU) not cooperating in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The Council of the European Union adopted amendments to implementing decision 2014/170/EU establishing a list of non EU countries not cooperating in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The amended decision concerns the removal of Sri Lanka from that list in view of Sri Lanka’s improved compliance with international obligations in this field. It includes Sri Lanka’s introduction of a more efficient control and monitoring system, and assurance with regard to implementing the catch certification scheme. Officially announcing the lifting of EU fishing ban, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said the government is conducting unofficial discussions with the relevant officials to address any areas that are lacking for the application. “By end this year, I have no doubt that we can regain the GSP+.” Wickramasinghe said. Prime Minister further stated that the agreement on ETCA will be expected to sign with India before this year and discussions are underway to sign a FTA with China by next year.