SL crisis causing political and economic damage: UK

The British Government said it was extremely concerned about Sri Lanka’s current chaotic political situation which is causing a great damage to Sri Lanka both politically and economically.

UK Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field has said this in response to a question asked by MP Tom Brake in the House of Commons on Tuesday. MP Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) said Mahinda Rajapaksa playing any role in the Sri Lankan Government will terrify many communities in Sri Lanka, particularly the Tamil community and asked would Minister Field set out the British Government’s position on Mr. Rajapaksa’s re-emergence into Sri Lankan politics.

In response, Minister Field said he made statements on October 26, 29 and November 9 earlier this week at the meeting of the all-party group for Tamils.

“We will continue actively to co-ordinate our response with the international community in Colombo and in the UN. First and foremost, we want this to be resolved by Sri Lanka in line with its own constitution and laws,” he said.

He said they welcome the statement made on November 5 by the Commonwealth secretarygeneral, who will be meeting the Foreign Secretary to discuss a range of matters.

“Obviously, Sri Lanka will very much be at the forefront of that conversation. We want to encourage ongoing dialogue and to offer the support of the Commonwealth, if required, to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka. We are in an ongoing dialogue with the Commonwealth and other partners to ensure a co-ordinated international response,” he said.

We will continue actively to co-ordinate our response with the international community in Colombo and in the UN