TPA Conditions GSP+ Support on Land Rights & Equality 📈

The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) has urged the European Union to link the continuation of GSP+ trade concessions to verifiable progress in human rights and land security for the Malayaga Tamil community. During high-level talks in Colombo, the TPA emphasized that preferential market access must depend on ending the "structural exclusion" of plantation workers. • Key Demands & Rights The TPA, led by MP Mano Ganeshan, highlighted that GSP+ credibility relies on the actual implementation of international conventions. Demands include secure land titles, an end to modern slavery-like conditions in supply chains, and the inclusion of Malayaga Tamil families in the national Rs. 5 million housing scheme, rather than inferior recovery frameworks. • Sector Impact The community remains the backbone of the tea and apparel & textiles sectors—Sri Lanka's primary export earners. Despite the apparel sector topping US$ 5.01 Bn (+5.42% YoY) and tea earnings reaching US$ 1.51 Bn (+4.74% YoY) in 2025, the TPA reports persistent intergenerational poverty and landlessness among these workers. • Trade Context The EU remains Sri Lanka's second-largest export market. Currently, 61% of exports to the EU utilize GSP+ benefits. While the government seeks to re-apply for the facility after the current cycle ends, the TPA warns that ignoring minority land rights and labor dignity undermines the governance logic of the agreement.