UK urges SL on HR obligations amid British MPs charging SL for HR violations

By Sunil Jayasiri  
The British government reiterated its commitment to encouraging Sri Lanka to uphold its human rights obligations, fulfill promises regarding transitional justice and legislative reform, and enhance trust in its institutions, despite the predominant stance of Labour and Conservative speakers in Westminster Hall in UK Parliament charging Sri Lanka with alleged human rights violations.  

Minister of State-Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - Andrew Mitchell said that Britain closely monitors human rights developments in Sri Lanka. “We welcome the ongoing attentions and contributions of right hon. and hon. Members, and the spotlight they bring to this issue. We are concerned by the ongoing land disputes, the continued harassment and surveillance of civil society and the limitations on freedoms of expression, assembly and association, including through recent and proposed legislation,” he said at the end of the debate.  
“Our projects and programmes in Sri Lanka will continue to target the drivers of conflict and support improvements in human rights. Ministers and officials will continue to engage with the Government and wider society on human rights and transitional justice. We will remain a leading voice on the international stage, working with civil society and through the United Nations to deliver meaningful human rights improvements for the Tamils and all the people of Sri Lanka,” he added.  

Some MPs expressed their concern over the Online Safety Act, which was recently passed in the Sri Lankan Parliament. “It has the potential to restrict severely online communication and could criminalise many forms of expression. Proposals to strengthen the regulation of non-governmental organisations and broadcast media raise fears of efforts to restrict civic space,” one MP stated.  
During the debate Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s role too was criticized. “David Cameron worked on behalf of a Chinese state enterprise to promote a commercial port in Sri Lanka, promoting a Rajapaksa-era mega-infrastructure project. I do not believe that that was in the interests of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, and I do not think it was in the interests of this country, either. My Tamil constituents deserve better,” a labour MP charged.