UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan has met Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and will travel to Jaffna during a three day visit to the island.
"Good to discuss opportunities to further develop UK-Sri Lanka opportunities with President [Ranil Wickremesinghe]. We have shared priorities on solving challenges of climate change, prosperity, human rights and reconciliation." Minister Trevelyan said on X.
In a recent press release, the UK government announced its efforts to enhance security and climate cooperation with Sri Lanka, marking the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations.
The minister’s visit is framed as a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The UK has emphasised maritime security, with the announcement of the permanent deployment of two offshore patrol vessels to the Indo-Pacific region.The UK government has previously been criticised for enabling militarisation through funding military and security sector initiatives in Sri Lanka.
Minister Trevelyan's visit includes participation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Ministerial meeting, where the UK aims to strengthen collaboration on climate mitigation. She stated that she had the UK and Sri Lanka's shared climate objectives, new wind & solar energy plans and how the UK can partner to support Sri Lanka’s green economic journey, with the Sri Lankan president's climate advisor. Tamil activists have highlighted that Sri Lankan leaders have used environmental platforms to greenwash the country’s human rights abuses.
In a separate press release from the Sri Lankan government, the meeting between Minister Trevelyan and President Wickremesinghe is highlighted as a diplomatic engagement covering crucial topics, including Sri Lanka's economic recovery efforts.
The release mentions discussions on legislation such as the Truth and Reconciliation bill, the Online Safety Bill, and the Anti-Terrorism Bill, proposals for which have all been roundly criticised by international rights groups. The Truth and Reconciliation bill, in particular, is viewed as insufficient in addressing the historical injustices and human rights violations in the country.
Several British MPs have called for the UK to leverage its influence to call for justice and accountability in Sri Lanka, and a meaningful political solution for Tamil demands for autonomy. Minister Trevelyan is set to meet Tamil leaders in Jaffna, the UK government said.
