Press freedom issues are among matters referred to in the independent expert group report to the European Commission endangering GSP+ benefits giving Sri Lanka’s exports privileged access to markets in countries of the European Union.

Matters referred to in this report include the Lasantha Wickrematunge assassination, the Tissainayagam case, re-activation of the Press Council enabling imposition of prison sentences of journalists and publishers, journalists fleeing the country for reasons of physical safety etc.

As far freedom of expression and information in Sri Lanka is concerned one can conclude that the Sri Lankan legislation, in particular the very general antiterrorist legislation, imposes limitations of that freedom, which are not compatible with the obligations under ICCPR Article 19, the report concluded.

The policy of the government and its propaganda against all critics of its policy effectively puts very serious restrictions on the freedom of press. The culture of impunity prevails as far as physical assaults and attracts against journalist are concerned which de facto seriously limits the freedom of press.’’

The report notes that limitations on press freedom exists despite constitutional guarantees with certain Emergency Regulations and the Prevention of Terrorism Act enabling the government to enact regulations restricting the freedom of expression, assembly and association.

An analysis of these regulations presented by the International Commission of Jurists show that "these emergency regulations are so broadly defined that it is difficult for a person to know whether or not they are committing an offence. "This creates pre-conditions for self censorship and a chilling effect and free and open debate.’’