UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) of the British Parliament last week that the British Government was optimistic about the new Sri Lankan Government’s commitment to upholding human rights. He was replying to a question raised by Labour MP Uma Kumaran on human rights and accountability with regard to the war in Sri Lanka.
Lammy acknowledged the significance of the issues raised but referred to Sri Lanka’s recent political changes. “We’ve got a new Government that has just taken office in Sri Lanka and the signs are positive in relation to the atrocities of the past and the human rights abuses of the past particularly,” he said.
“It is important that Minister Catherine West and I are able to engage with that new Government. We are looking at the range of policy in relation to the atrocities of the past, particularly.
“I have spent a lot of time over the years with Tamil communities, particularly in this country. So I recognise the strength of feeling and why you have raised these issues. They are complex issues. Nevertheless, that goes back to conflict, where deep, deep, painful atrocities were committed. And it is important that those that did that are held to account,” he said.
Labour MP Kumaran said, “In 2023, you urged the then British Government to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Tamils and consider the recommendation of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to refer the perpetrators of atrocities to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The then Leader of the Opposition also called upon the Government to consider the recommendation of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for an international justice mechanism.
“I’m really pleased to say you are now the Foreign Secretary, and he is now the Prime Minister. Can I ask you today to stand by your comments?” Kumaran was elected as the Member of Parliament for Stratford and Bow, following the UK’s general election on July 4.
