UK wants G'ment to "move quickly to implement" LLRC recommendations
The British Government has encouraged the Sri Lankan government to move quickly to implement the LLRC report’s recommendations.
The UK s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Alistair Burt in a ministerial statement to the House of Commons made the remark today when expressing his Government views on the an Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Report.
He said the British Government welcomes the fact that the LLRC report has been published in full and having read the report closely, it has considered in particular its findings relating to reconciliation and an enduring political solution in the North and East; accountability for alleged war crimes committed during the conflict and ongoing human rights issues in Sri Lanka.
“The British Government believes that the report contains many constructive recommendations for action on post-conflict reconciliation and a political settlement. Implementation of these recommendations, however, is the real test of Sri Lanka’s progress,” the statement said.
Under Secretary Burt said the British Government encourages the Sri Lankan government to move quickly to implement the LLRC report’s recommendations. “Some recommendations could be completed in a matter of months. Others may take time to implement fully, but initial steps can be taken now. Ultimately, the success or failure of the LLRC will be judged on the Sri Lankan government’s implementation of its recommendations,” he said.
On accountability, he said, the implementing the report’s recommendations would represent a useful first step. “But we continue to believe it is important that an independent, credible and thorough mechanism is put in place to investigate all allegations of grave abuses.”
He added that the British Government has consistently condemned terrorism in all its forms. “The LTTE is a brutal and ruthless organization which remains proscribed in the UK. Our long-term interest is in a stable, peaceful Sri Lanka, free from the scourge of terrorism, and as a fellow member of the Commonwealth, conforming to the standards and values which Commonwealth membership requires,” the Under Secretary added.
