UK expects Sri Lanka to fully implement UN resolution

UK State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Hugo Swire 

The United Kingdom reiterating its commitment to the full implementation of UN resolution on Sri Lanka, called for international involvement in the prosecution of war crimes.

During a debate in the British Parliament last week on Sri Lanka’s Human Rights, UK State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Hugo Swire said to reassure the communities in Sri Lanka and to show the international community that this is a credible process, there needs to be an international element in the domestic mechanism for accountability.

“That is what we continue to stress with the Government, with Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister, with Mangala Samaraweera, the Foreign Minister, and through Prince Zeid (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights),” Swire said.

He expressed hope that the message is getting through and that something will happen in that respect.

Minister Swire said the British Government has always been clear that any accountability mechanism needs to be credible and meet international standards.

“We therefore welcomed Sri Lanka’s co-sponsorship of UNHRC resolution 30/1. We have reiterated our commitment to its full implementation on a number of occasions, most recently in Geneva last month.”

Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena Friday reiterated that he will not allow any foreign court, judge or organisation interfere into the internal administration and judiciary in the country.

Speaking of demilitarization in the North, the British Minister said the Army has no reason to be in business in a civilian structure or to be on other people’s land and more land returns are essential, both to build confidence and to allow the resettlement of displaced Tamils.

Taking note of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera’s recent statement that the Government has instructed the military to release all land obtained from civilians by 2018, Swire said the British Government is clear that land releases must be accompanied by adequate housing and support for resettled communities.

He said the UK will continue to encourage the Government of Sri Lanka to prioritise the reform of their security sector, not least with the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. “All forms of sexual and gender-based violence and torture must be addressed,” he said.

Highlighting other areas of concern, which include issues of freedom of speech and movement, the remaining detainees held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the continued involvement of the military in commercial life in the north, the British Minister said that through diplomatic pressure and targeted projects, the UK will continue to encourage the Government to address these issues.

“The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka to take further steps towards peace and prosperity for all its citizens. We do so in a spirit of friendship and co-operation,” Minister Swire said.

“There are many challenges ahead and progress may be slower than some of us would hope, but we will continue to build on the good work done so far and help Sri Lanka stay the course, for the benefit of all its people,” he added.