Cabinet Approves New Anti-Terror Bill to Replace PTA 📈

• Key Highlights The Cabinet of Ministers approved publishing the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill in the Government Gazette, clearing the way for parliamentary presentation to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) No. 48 of 1979. Clearances have been granted by the Attorney General following recommendations from a technical expert committee. • Economic & Trade Impact • GSP+ Eligibility: The legislative reform directly addresses long-standing European Union (EU) human rights and governance concerns linked to Sri Lanka's EU GSP+ trade concessions. • Apparel & Textiles: Retaining GSP+ preferential access is crucial for the apparel & textiles sector, which faces potential export risks if PTA reform commitments are unmet. • Background • 2010: Sri Lanka lost GSP+ status due to human rights compliance issues. • May 2017: Concessions restored after re-application in July 2016. • 2025: EU monitoring delegation noted positive review progress, conditional on continued governance reforms.