UK plans to have ‘frank discussions’ with Sri Lanka at CHOGM on all areas
Saturday, 9 November 2013 06:24
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The UK will have “frank discussions” with Sri Lanka at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo on all areas where the country needs to show progress.
Following a UK Parliamentary debate on Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Meeting on Wednesday, the Minister of State for the Commonwealth Hugo Swire said the UK will discuss Sri Lanka’s progress on human rights, reconciliation and political settlement.
“We will urge the Government (of Sri Lanka) to uphold Commonwealth values as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter – which they signed,” Swire said after the debate.
He said that if the UK boycotted the Commonwealth meeting as some have suggested, they will not be able to see the ground situation in the country that had emerged after three-decades of war.
“If we don’t go to CHOGM then we can’t see the situation on the ground for ourselves – we can’t be part of the debate if we are not there. By going we will be able to meet people from across Sri Lanka – civil society groups, journalists, campaigners – and we will raise our concerns directly with the government,” he pointed out.
The British Minister said UK’s commitment to the Commonwealth was an important part of its decision to attend the summit in Colombo.
“We will stress that the Commonwealth should take a strong stand on issues that matter to Britain and the world. We want countries to take responsibility for preventing sexual violence in conflict, to contribute to the post-2015 development framework discussions and promote Commonwealth values,” the lawmaker said.
“UK cannot show leadership on these issues if we are not represented at the highest level in Colombo,” Swire emphasised.
According to the British Minister hosting CHOGM has put Sri Lanka in the international spotlight and has helped contribute to some improvements.
“Since 2009 its government has taken steps on resettling displaced civilians, rebuilding infrastructure, removing land mines as well as recent provincial council elections. We want to see these improvements continue as more must be done and CHOGM gives us an opportunity to press the Rajapaksa Government to move more quickly,” he noted.
