Amid political turmoil, Sri Lanka risks duty-free trade access to EU

The EU is worried the return of Mahinda Rajapaksa, as PM, could derail progress made towards national reconciliation following a war with ethnic minority

The European Union will consider stripping Sri Lanka of its duty-free access if it backs off commitments on rights, the EU ambassador said, amid worries stoked by the president's replacing of the elected premier by a wartime nationalist.

The European Union is worried the return of Mahinda Rajapaksa, as prime minister, could derail halting progress made towards national reconciliation following a war with ethnic minority Tamil separatists that killed tens of thousands, many during the final stages under his watch as president.

"The government got GSP on the basis of certain commitments, if these commitments are not met, then we would consider