March 16, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Htin Kyaw elected President of Myanmar. Image credit: www.channelnewsasia.com
Reading Time: 2 min read
EU advises patience with GSP+
The EU delegation to Sri Lanka has advised the government that it should defer the submission of its GSP+ application until there is a strong chance of regaining the preferential tariff facility from the EU.
The chargé d’affaires of the EU delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Paul Godfrey, emphasised that regaining the tariff facility is based on meeting all required conditions.
Sri Lanka records 4.8% GDP growth
The Census and Statistics Department announced that the country’s GDP grew by 4.8% during the year 2015.
The announcement was made following a revision in the GDP calculation process. Using the new process, GDP grew 4.9% in 2014, indicating that growth in 2015 was only marginally less.
Chinese investors informed of Port City resumption
In an official letter to the China Harbour Engineering Company, the Ministry of Ports and Shipping has officially approved the recommencement of the Port City project.
The project, worth $1.4 billion, was previously suspended for one year, prior to its recent re-approval by the cabinet.
Myanmar elects a civilian president
Myanmar’s parliament has elected Htin Kyaw as the country’s next President, marking an end to more than 50 years of military rule.
Htin Kyaw is viewed as a close ally of Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy party, emerged victorious at the historic elections in November last year.
UK denies plans to send troops to Libya
Government officials in the UK have stated that there are no plans to send British troops to provide security on the ground in Libya.
This statement was made in response to the growing expectations that the newly appointed Unity Government of Libya will seek Britain’s help to contain the Islamic State within the country.
Anti-terror raids carried out in Brussels
Belgian and French officials have conducted a joint anti-terror operation in southern Brussels. The operation was part of a series of raids carried out in response to last year’s Paris attacks.
According to Belgian police, one suspect died and four police officers were wounded, during the raid.
24 Horton Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
A think tank engaging in independent research of Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
