Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister on protecting the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils.

The UK Government is committed to human rights in Sri Lanka. We have led international efforts over many years to promote accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, including the rights for Tamils. This includes at the UN Human Rights Council, alongside our partners in the Core Group on Sri Lanka. The Foreign Secretary spoke to newly appointed Foreign Minister, Herath, in November 2024 raising human rights concerns. I visited Sri Lanka from 26-28 January and met with a range of stakeholders including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, civil society organisations, as well as political leaders in the north of Sri Lanka raising human rights, including rights for Tamils.