Assessment: Visit of the EU Troika to Sri Lanka, 17-18 March 2008

(March 13, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) “This year, Sri Lanka and the European Union celebrate 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The two sides will seek to further strengthen the bilateral relationship,” according to joint statement released EU and Government of Sri Lanka.

“With this in view, Sri Lanka and the European Union have agreed to convene the 7th European Commission-Sri Lanka Joint Commission on 10th and 11th of June 2008 in Colombo. This will be preceded by a meeting on 17th and 18th of March 2008 with the European Union Troika (current Presidency Slovenia, future Presidency France and the European Commission),” the statement noted.

While the Joint Commission meeting to be held in June will focus on continuing bilateral cooperation, the Troika meeting will cover a wide range of issues including the political process and the APRC, Eastern Province development, combating terrorism, strengthening human rights, GSP+, global warming and climate change, and Carbon debt.

- Sri Lanka Guardian