Sri Lanka can count on full support and encouragement of UK to face challenges: British Minister

The Government of Sri Lanka can count on the full support and encouragement of the UK as the country seeks to come to terms with the past and build a successful future for all the people of Sri Lanka, UK Minister for the UN and Commonwealth Baroness Joyce Anelay said at the conclusion of her three-day visit to the island nation.

“Today, a key part of our relationship is our support for your Government’s commitment to long term peace and reconciliation. Coming to terms with the past and guaranteeing people’s rights for the future are central to achieving this goal,” the British Minister said, adding that Sri Lanka has a staunch ally in the UK as the country strives to reach it.

Baroness Anelay held meetings in Colombo and Jaffna during her first official visit to Sri Lanka from 6-8 November.

During her visit the Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in strengthening democracy and human rights (including tackling gender based and sexual violence), delivering reconciliation and combating corruption. Her discussions with Sri Lankan leaders in Colombo and Jaffna focused on these issues.

The Minister met with Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, Foreign Minister Samaraweera and Opposition Leader and Leader of Tamil National Alliance R. Sampanthan.

UK FCO Minister Baroness Anelay

In Jaffna, Baroness Anelay met with Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council C.V. Wigneswaran. She also met with members of civil society to discuss reconciliation and human rights.

As the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Minister raised awareness of the need to tackle the stigmatisation of sexual violence and met with civil society organisations working on preventing sexual violence.

“Ending impunity is vital for long term reconciliation, but it is not enough. Enabling survivors to thrive in their communities is just as important. This is not always straight-forward, due to the stigma too often associated with sexual violence,” the Baroness said.

Expressing delight that Sri Lanka endorsed the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict earlier this year, the British Minister said another important step was the guidance issued to security forces that sexual violence would not be tolerated, and that perpetrators would be held to account.

“I hope that the renewed partnership between the UK and the Sri Lankan military will not only help to achieve our shared goal of having modern militaries focused on future risks, including through Peace Keeping Operations, but also to share experience on how best to tackle issues of sexual violence at home and abroad,” she noted.

Baroness Analey observed that much has been done since President Sirisena was elected in January last year and also that there is still much more to do, both to end sexual violence and to secure long term peace and stability.

“As Sri Lanka works towards this goal, as well as delivering the commitments set out in the UN Human Rights Council Resolution, you can count on the full support of the United Kingdom,” the Minister said.

In addition to sharing UK’s experience in policing with the long-running community policing program, which trains police officers working on women’s and children’s issues, the UK is also helping to ensure women’s views are represented in the Government’s plans for truth and reconciliation.

Baroness Analey said UK is also supporting the de-mining the north and will be providing £ 1.5 million to the HALO Trust over the next three years to support the Government’s target to clear all mines by 2020.

The UK is providing Sri Lanka £ 6.6 million in support over the next three years, in the areas of reconciliation, reform and prosperity.

Welcoming the determination of the Government of Sri Lanka to face up to its challenges, the British Minister encouraged the Government to stay the course.