Britain announced that it will provide £6.6 million over 3 years to Sri Lanka in order to support “military reform, displaced persons and reconciliation” on the island and deliver on committments set out in a UN Human Rights Council resolution.
The announcement was made as British Prime Minister David Cameron met with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta on Friday.
A press release from 10 Downing Street said the funding would “help to deliver the commitments set out in the historic UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that was adopted in October including demilitarisation and land returns”.
“The UK is clear that credible investigations into alleged war crimes during Sri Lanka’s civil war are vital,” added the press release. “We are already playing a key role in encouraging progress on this, including through the UNHRC resolution which set Sri Lanka on a new path towards reconciliation and a more prosperous and inclusive future.”
“Britain is committed to standing up for those affected by Sri Lanka’s civil war”, said Mr Cameron. “This £6.6 million funding is part of a long-term UK commitment to supporting stability and prosperity in Sri Lanka.”
As part of the package, the Sri Lankan military will also have access to UK military training courses to help support military reform.
“The UK has played a pivotal role in promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka,” added the prime minister. “We have already seen many welcome changes since my visit in 2013. And I hope Sri Lanka can now build on that and continue on its road to full recovery.”
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