On February 12, 2026, the European Union (EU) and Sri Lanka held the 27th Session of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting in Colombo. This meeting, conducted in a cordial and open atmosphere, reviewed bilateral relations and included discussions on various topics of mutual interest. These topics ranged from governance, reconciliation, and human rights to trade, development cooperation, education, fisheries, maritime cooperation, environment, climate change, security cooperation, readmission, and both regional and international cooperation.
The gathering provided a platform for both parties to discuss current political and economic developments in Sri Lanka and the European Union, with a focus on updates regarding policy reforms, procedural improvements, and legislative initiatives on matters of mutual concern.
The Joint Commission assessed the progress made by the EU-Sri Lanka Working Groups on Governance, Human Rights and Rule of Law (held on May 5, 2025), Trade and Economic Cooperation (held virtually on November 13, 2025), and Development Cooperation (held on February 11, 2026).
The discussions highlighted recent developments in Sri Lanka concerning democracy, governance, rule of law, and human rights. Key topics included the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), amendments to the Online Safety Act (OSA), rights of minorities, women, children, and labor rights, measures to combat bribery and corruption, and freedom of expression and association.
Sri Lanka informed the EU about steps taken to advance reconciliation and the enhanced role of independent national institutions, particularly the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for Reparations (OR), and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation.
Both sides agreed on the importance of continued cooperation in preventing and eliminating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices and fulfilling commitments in the fisheries sector. Additionally, they discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration in higher education, research, and technical cooperation through the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe framework programs. Productive exchanges also took place regarding environmental and climate cooperation, as well as migration and readmission policies.
The EU updated Sri Lanka on the new regulations concerning the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). Sri Lanka expressed appreciation for the GSP+ special incentive arrangement’s contribution to sustainable development in the country and indicated its intention to reapply after the current cycle concludes. The EU emphasized the importance of timely fulfillment of commitments under the current GSP+, particularly concerning anti-terror legislation, aligning it with international conventions. In this context, the EU encouraged engagement with relevant UN bodies on counter-terrorism. Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the 27 core conventions under the current GSP+ scheme, and the EU encouraged regular updates on progress.
The EU and Sri Lanka reiterated their commitment to upholding the rules-based international order, effective multilateralism, and the principles of international law and the UN Charter. Both parties recognized their constructive engagement in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region and underscored the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The two sides agreed to explore further investment opportunities under the Global Gateway strategy with Team Europe. The EU confirmed its interest and commitment to supporting the engagement of the EU private sector in this regard.
Sri Lanka and the EU also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in the security field, notably concerning maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
It was agreed to convene the next Joint Commission meeting in Brussels in 2027.
The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, and Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service.
