The Sri Lankan government jeopardized the nation's trade concessions and job opportunities Tuesday after it blocked the European Union from investigating international labor and human rights conventions, the Inter Press Service reported.
International Trade Minister G.P. Peiris told IPS the request infringes upon sovereignty, self-respect and dignity.
The probe intends to investigate human rights abuses inside the country and the lack of humanitarian aid for civilians stranded in northern Sri Lanka, IPS reported.
Sri Lanka stands to lose its duty-free concessions, which allow the country an advantage when trading on the European market, according to IPS.
-M.M.