European Union On Sri Lanka

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 High Court will hear an application on Tuesday to prevent Australia from handing back a boatload of 153 asylum-seekers to Sri Lanka as criticism over the government's hardline policy mounted.

Asian shares steadied as investors awaited a parliamentary vote in Cyprus on a bailout plan crucial to avert bankruptcy, but potential political instability in India emerged as a fresh worry.

European Union has decided to withdraw preferential trade benefits from Sri Lanka due to "significant shortcomings" on human rights issues.

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 High Court will hear an application on Tuesday to prevent Australia from handing back a boatload of 153 asylum-seekers to Sri Lanka as criticism over the government's hardline policy mounted.

Asian shares steadied as investors awaited a parliamentary vote in Cyprus on a bailout plan crucial to avert bankruptcy, but potential political instability in India emerged as a fresh worry.

European Union has decided to withdraw preferential trade benefits from Sri Lanka due to "significant shortcomings" on human rights issues.