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<p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office makes regular assessments of the political
situation in Sri Lanka, including through the British High Commission in Colombo.
Sri Lanka is a close partner of the UK and a fellow Commonwealth member, and we welcome
our joint reaffirmation of democratic values at the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers
Meeting on 10 July.</p><p>We are concerned about the rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric
since the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. We have urged the Government of Sri Lanka
to take stronger action to protect minorities and prevent extremists in all communities
from inciting violence. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific most recently raised
these concerns with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister in June.</p><p>We are also concerned
about President Sirisena's statements reiterating his intention to end the country's
moratorium on the death penalty, and issued a statement on 26 June. While we welcome
the Supreme Court ruling on 5 July halting executions until October, we have made
clear our continued concern, including about the implications for our cooperation
on counter narcotics, counter terrorism and other areas of law enforcement. We will
continue to encourage the Government of Sri Lanka to maintain its moratorium.</p><p>More
broadly, the UK continues to believe that Sri Lanka's commitments to the UN Human
Rights Council through Resolutions 30/1, 34/1 and 40/1 remain the best framework for
establishing truth, justice and lasting reconciliation in Sri Lanka. We will continue
to encourage and support Sri Lanka to deliver on these commitments.</p>
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