Britain applauds appointment of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission

Parliamentary Under-secretary for the UK Foreign Office, Alistair Burt applauded the Sri Lankan government for acting on their promise to the UN and setting up the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. He said British Prime Minister David Cameron has written to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to express British support for this Commission.

Burt said now the war is over, the UK government’s primary objective is to support the development of a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka. He said the UK government believes the Sri Lankan government recognises the need for reconciliation and is committed to the process to achieve it. He said this in response to a demand made by Siobhain McDonagh M.P. (Labour party) for pressure to be placed on the Sri Lankan Government.

Burt said it is important allegations of war crimes do not overshadow peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. He added that the Sri Lankan government must be honest with the past and those involved to prevent this from happening.

He warned that it is important allegations of war crimes do not overshadow peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

Under-secretary Burt made this statement addressing the Westminster Hall Debate (June 16) in the British Parliament premises.

These meetings are open to all MPs and are presided over by a Deputy Speaker.

On the issue of alleged war crimes, Burt said if Sri Lanka is to achieve peace and reconciliation it must address the underlying causes of the conflict and ensure all Sri Lankan communities are treated fairly and equally.

Burt detailed how the UK government expects the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission to undertake its investigation into humanitarian issues. He said the Sri Lankan government must show that it is capable of allowing an independent investigation; issue a proper public consultation and a realistic mandate; and enable witness protection for those giving evidence to the investigation.

Burt said the UK government continues to support the humanitarian response in Sri Lanka and that the International Committee of the Red Cross should be allowed access to the country in line with international law. He said the UK government support the statement made at the UN council meeting last week regarding journalists and humanitarian rights.

Burt said the government would continue the policy of the previous Labour administration and work with and be open to the views of the UK Sri Lankan expatriates.

He said now is an “historic moment” for Sri Lanka but it will only get somewhere if the country moves forward.