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<p>We were deeply concerned by the well-publicised incident involving the Sri Lankan
Defence Attaché last year and made immediate representations to the Sri Lankan Government.
I spoke to Foreign Minister Marapana on 8 February 2018 about the matter to raise
my concerns. The Defence Attaché was recalled by his Government soon after.</p><p>The
FCO, which is not a party to the legal proceedings referred to, has been contacted
by Westminster Magistrate's Court seeking clarification of the Brigadier's diplomatic
status in the UK at the time of the incident. The FCO is providing documentation to
assist the court.</p><p>The UK is committed to upholding the rule of law including
the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.</p><p>The British High Commissioner
to Sri Lanka met the Permanent Secretary of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
on 24 January, at the Permanent Secretary's request. At this meeting the Permanent
Secretary communicated his government's view that the Brigadier enjoyed diplomatic
immunity at the time of the incident, and requested that the High Commissioner communicate
this view back to the FCO in London.</p>
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