RESTRICTED
WORLD TRADE G/L/48
22November 1995
ORGANIZATION(95-3812)
Original: English COUNCIL FOR TRADE INGOODS
1December 1995
SRILANKA -ESTABLISHMENT OFANEW SCHEDULE VI
Extension ofTime-Limit
Thefollowing communication, dated 15November 1995, hasbeenreceived fromthePermanent
Mission ofSriLanka.
_______________
Irefertoyourfaxof13November 1995 ontheabove subject. Asrequested therein, Iset
outbelow thefactual information concerning thestatus ofSriLanka 'swaiver.
1. Dateoforiginal waiver: 8November 19881.
2. Dateofsubmission ofdocuments relevant totheHSimplementation: 12January 19902.
3. Number ofextensions anddates when granted: twelve extensions, asfollows: 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 and31/08/95.
4. Number ofcountries withwhich Article XXVIII negotiations have been initiated: four
(Australia, NewZealand, United States andEuropean Union).
5. Number ofcountries withwhich Article XXVIII negotiations havebeenconcluded: none.
6. Status ofoutstanding Article XXVIII negotiations aswellasageneral outline ofrelevant
problems: thepresent position isthatanother fewrounds ofnegotiations willberequired to
conclude theprocess afterthereceipt oftheresponses from ourauthorities, which hasbeen
delayed mostly duetotheextraordinary security situation inthecountry andtheconsequent
difficulties incoordinating theresponses.
7. Outlook forconcluding theprocess: atthetimeofthegranting ofthelastwaiver, although
itwasexpectedthatthenegotiationscouldbeconcludedonscheduleundernormalcircumstances,
theextraordinary security situation inthecountry hasplaced severe constraints inobtaining
responses andconsequently thecurrent expectations arethatthese negotiations cannot be
concluded before theendofthisyear.
Inviewoftheexceptional situation assetoutabove, SriLanka willrequire another extension
ofsixmonths from1January to30June1996tocomplete theprocess. SriLanka 'sconcerned trading
partners canbeassured that,within theperiod oftherequested extension, these negotiations willbe
definitely finalized tothemutual satisfaction ofallparties concerned.
1BISD 35S/22.
2SECRET/HS/26.