Cabinet Spokesman, Mass Media and communication Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has stated that the if the granting or withdrawing GSP + concession, depends on making changes to the constitution or entering to an agreement with a terrorist group, it means influencing people’s sovereignty of the country.
He also said that Ministry of Foreign Affairs would take appropriate action in this regard cause it is a threat to the sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
The Minister pointed out that changing the Constitution is only the right of the people of the country and it cannot be interfered with by external forces and no other external associations can exercise the sovereignty of the people except the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.
Also, if Sri Lanka accept child slavery, non-compliance with labour laws or violates labour rights, the reduction of the GSP + concession can be justified, but the removal of the GSP + concession can not justified due to a constitutional amendment that has nothing to do with the garment and other industrial sectors, he added.
The Minister shared his thoughts in media briefing held at the Government Information Department premises yesterday (15).