./.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/L/610
14 March 2003
(03-1482)
Original:  English
SRI LANKA – ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW SCHEDULE VI
Request for Extension of Time-Limit
The following communication, dated 4 March 2003, has been received from the Permanent
Mission of Sri Lanka.
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I refer to your fax of 13 February 2002, on the above subject.
I have been instructed by my authorities in Sri Lanka to furnish the following information
with regard to Sri Lanka's request for extension of time-limit for the current waiver, which expires on
30 April 2003.
1. Date of original waiver:  8 November 1988.2. Date of submission of document relevant to the HS implementation:  12 January 1990.3. Number of extensions and dates when granted:  26 extensions, as follows:  24/07/89;
16/07/90;  07/12/90;  01/07/91;  04/12/91;  20/07/92;  03/12/92;  19/07/93;  17/01/94;
21/07/94;  09/12/94;  31/08/95;  13/12/95;  18/07/96;  16/07/97;  22/10/97;  30/04/98;
14/10/98;  15/06/99 (granted with retroactive effect 30/04/99);  04/11/99;  03/05/2000;08/12/2000; 08/05/2001; 31.10.2001, 13.05.2002 and 15.10.2002.
4. Number of countries with which Article XXVIII negotiations have been initiated:  Five
(Australia, European Union, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States).
5. Number of countries with which Article XXVIII negotiations have been concluded:  Four.
6. Status of outstanding Article XXVIII negotiations as well as a general outline of relevant
problems, if any:
Sri Lanka continues to make every effort to conclude negotiations under Article XXVIII.  The
negotiations with the United States are still continuing.
7. Outlook for concluding the process:
Sri Lanka has had bilateral negotiations with the US in respect of Sri Lanka's Schedule.
These negotiations are still continuing.  In view of the fact that submissions have been made
to the Advisory Committee of the Government of Sri Lanka seeking its approval on tariff
bindings to be made, Sri Lanka may require one more extension of time to conclude these
negotiations.  The Government of Sri Lanka, therefore, will appreciate granting of a furtherextension of six months.  The Government of Sri Lanka also wishes to assure its tradingG/L/610
Page 2
partners that every effort will be made to conclude the negotiations satisfactorily, and in the
mutual interest of all concerned, as soon as possible.
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