British High Commission visits Eastern, Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces

From 11-13 December, members of the British High Commission’s Political Team visited Batticaloa, Ampara, Monaragala and Ratnapura.

In some areas badly affected by the conflict and the 2004 tsunami, the team saw firsthand how the improved post-war security situation, infrastructure development, and in some areas, the beginnings of private sector investment are having a positive impact. They also saw how the UK Government and the European Union, of which the UK is part, are supporting post-war development and reconciliation.

In Batticaloa the team met a young businesswoman who, with help and support under a 300 million rupee EU project, is expanding her small confectionary enterprise to supply to major retailers and international markets. They also toured the new Brandix textiles factory, seeing clothing being made for customers in the UK. The factory has already created over 400 new local jobs, with hundreds more to come in 2013.

In Ampara District, the team met people who, with UK help, are working to implement Sri Lanka’s trilingual policy. In Monaragala, they observed a village community policing forum, seeing how a UK-supported project is helping the police and the public work together to solve local problems.

In Ratnapura, they met the Provincial Council Opposition leader and the Chief Secretary of the Provincial Council. The team heard how a British Council teachers’ exchange programme is building links between schools in Sabaragamuwa and the UK, helping to improve teaching in both countries.

Speaking at the end of the visit, First Secretary David Burton said: “In several places we visited on this trip, we heard how aspects of life have improved for local people since the end of the war. A number of individuals and communities we met, of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, also told us how they are benefitting from UK and EU support – including through increased job opportunities and professional training. Challenges remain of course, including in bringing about greater ethnic harmony among communities in the east, strengthening the rule of law and improving economic and educational opportunity for all. The UK will do what it can to further support reconciliation and development across Sri Lanka.”

During the visit, the team also met the Government Agent for Batticaloa; the Vice-Chancellor and students of the Eastern University; senior UN officials and various community organisations.

British High Commission staff have paid official visits to all of Sri Lanka’s provinces over the past year.