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Friday, 17 June 2016 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The European Union (EU) has completely lifted the ban on fisheries exports from Sri Lanka, the Government Information Department said yesterday.Sri Lanka was one of the biggest exporters to the EU of high value fishery products such as fresh and chilled swordfish, tuna and tuna-like species.
Seafood exports were severely hit by the ban and continued to decline since the announcement of the ban in October 2014. In the year 2015, Sri Lanka’s seafood exports declined 35.5% to US$ 163.1 million compared to $ 252.7 million earned in 2014. Sri Lanka’s fish exports to the EU make up 68% of its total fish exports.
Sri Lanka was the second biggest exporter of fresh and chilled swordfish and tuna to the EU with euro 74 million ($ 81 million) of imports in 2013.
unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The EU, in January 2015, imposed a ban on Sri Lanka’s fish exports to European countries, which was the major export market for Sri Lanka, as a result of engaging in Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
The EU Commission’s recommendation to revoke was forwarded to the EU Council in April and the EU Parliament has approved it this week.
In the run-up to the EU’s decision, the Sri Lanka government took a number of steps to have the ban lifted. Rules and regulations were introduced in tune with international norms and new regulations framed for high seas fishing. A national plan was prepared to counter illegal, unreported and
Sri Lanka has formally reapplied to obtain the GSP plus trade concession from the European Union (EU).
Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva, who is currently in London said that Sri Lanka hopes Britain, will remain in the EU as almost 40% of Sri Lanka’s exports to the EU is to the UK.
While in London Dr. Harsha de Silva addressed a group of over 200 Sri Lankan British community leaders on why the Government believes the UK should Stay in the EU.
“If UK is not a part of the EU we will lose the duty free benefit. True, if UK exits, then we could renegotiate a FTA with the UK, but they will have to do a whole series of FTAs with European nations and others before they get to us. That will certainly take a long time,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said that Sri Lanka does not need any more disruptions in the global economy adding that the challenges Sri Lanka will have to face would be easier to deal with in a more stable global environment.
“While it is up to each British person to decide, we have and will speak to ‘our community’ to let them know as a country we would like for UK to stay. However, speaking to the Sri Lankan community I got a mixed feeling; some are for UK staying and some against,” he added.
