EU Member-States on Monday decided to temporarily withdraw preferential tariff benefits to Sri Lanka under a special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance, known as GSP plus linking it to shortcomings in Sri Lanka's implementation of three UN Human Rights Conventions. The EU however said that it remains open to a full dialogue with the government of Sri Lanka, above all to encourage it to take the necessary steps towards an effective implementation of GSP plus relevant human rights conventions. The EU will closely monitor and regularly re-evaluate developments in this area. Once sufficient progress has been made, the Commission will propose to EU Member States to reverse the decision and GSP plus benefits restored to the island nation. The temporary withdrawal will take effect six months from now. A formal response from the Government of Sri Lanka is expected in a day or two.