As a token of solidarity with Ukraine, British Tamils are demonstrating outside the London Stock Exchange in protest of an event held by Invest Sri Lanka as they highlight the deep ties between Colombo and Moscow as well as Sri Lanka’s own dire human rights record.
“Russia’s blood money partner is in London” read one pamphlet.
Despite the overwhelming majority of countries voting to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sri Lanka has repeatedly abstained and instead strengthened its ties with Russia. Sri Lanka’s eagerness to turn a blind eye has led the embassies of 14 mostly western governments to call upon Sri Lanka to condemn Russia’s aggression and vocally support Ukraine.
Days prior to this statement, Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister met with a senior Russian official in Colombo in pursuit of a US$ 300 million Credit Line.
Sri Lanka’s investor’s forum comes as the country faces a dire economic crisis which has seen food prices spike and shortages in basic goods such as medicine, fuel, and cooking oil. Tamil groups and MPs such as Canadian MP, Gary Anandasangaree, have repeatedly stressed that financial assistance to Sri Lanka must be tied to structural reform of the state.
"At this critical juncture, the IMF has a responsibility to ensure that the current financial instability in Sir Lanka is not used to leverage support for military spending which would inevitably make IMF party to the continued atrocities of the Government of Sri Lanka and its military," wrote Gary Anandasangaree.
Read more on the growing ties between Russia and Sri Lanka below:
‘Overwhelming support for Sri Lanka’ – Colombo claims success at United Nations
Russia and Belarus rush to Sri Lanka’s defence at UN Human Rights Council
Russian tourists lead the way in Sri Lanka, including an oligarch or two
Sri Lanka abstains as UN overwhelming condemns Russian invasion of Ukraine
What are thermobaric and cluster bombs? A look at their use by the Sri Lankan army
As world slaps sanctions on Russia, Sri Lanka looks to deepen trade with Moscow
Sri Lanka ‘won’t take sides’ on Russia and Ukraine, as conflict intensifies
Putin and Rajapaksa exchange letters to celebrate ‘abiding friendship’
