UK calls for accountability on sexual violence in Sri Lanka

The British Government today noted the need for Sri Lanka to ensure accountability for allegations of sexual violence.

British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office?Baroness Joyce Anelay,?speaking at an event at the British High Commission in Colombo today at the conclusion of a visit to Sri Lanka, said that there is much more to do in Sri Lanka, both to end sexual violence and to secure long term peace and stability.

Baroness Anelay also said that a key part of UK’s relationship with Sri Lanka is the support for 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,” she said.

Meanwhile, Baroness Anelay had talks with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera?today.

During the talks with Foreign Minister Samaraweera, he briefed Baroness Analey on the initiatives taken by the unity Government to strengthen democracy, human rights and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Minister Samaraweera and Baroness Analey also discussed the future direction of the Commonwealth.

Baroness Analey stated that she was pleased to see the improvements made with regard to reconciliation in Sri Lanka and hoped that provisions will be set up in the new Constitution to further strengthen the Government’s reconciliation efforts. (Colombo Gazette)