UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister visits Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 11 October 2023 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister for the

Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan

UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday for a three-day official visit.

The visit to Colombo and Jaffna marks the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Sri Lanka and is the Minister’s first visit to Sri Lanka in her role.

Minister Trevelyan will emphasise the UK’s long-term commitment to the region at the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Ministerial meeting hosted by Sri Lanka.

She will also seek to strengthen IORA work on climate mitigation. Through collaborative programs that underpin biodiversity objectives and the Glasgow Pact (agreed at COP26), the Minister will highlight UK support for Sri Lanka’s environmental work. This builds on the UK’s strong track record as the first major economy to legislate for Net Zero, cutting carbon emissions faster than any other G7 country.

Indo-Pacific Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “As the UK celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka, we’re working together on climate action, peace building and human rights. Through key regional forums like IORA, we can accelerate progress towards enhanced security for the Indian Ocean region; collaborate on shared climate goals and on boosting maritime security.”

While in Colombo, Minister Trevelyan will meet members of the Sri Lankan Government including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry as well as businesses and civil society. Discussions will focus on climate finance and green growth, bilateral trade discussions, human rights, justice reform and opportunities to enhance UK-Sri Lanka diplomatic ties.

Travelling to Jaffna, in the Northern Province, Trevelyan will meet with Governor P.S.M. Charles and regional Parliamentarians, civil society and the local business community.

She will visit a landmine clearance site in Muhamalai to see demining and sustainable resettlement work which is supported through the UK’s Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF).

Following her engagements in Sri-Lanka, the Minister will travel to India as part of a wider trip to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.