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<p>The British Government has agreed with Sri Lankan counterparts the need for inclusivity
and respect for human rights in their response to the Easter Sunday attacks and underlined
the importance of Sri Lankans working together to reduce intercommunal tensions. Minister
for Security and Economic Crime Ben Wallace visited Sri Lanka on 2-3 May and reiterated
these points.</p><p>We have raised concerns with the Sri Lankan Government at reports
of incidents of violence and intimidation against Muslims, refugees and asylum seekers
since the Easter Sunday attacks. We have also raised concerns specifically about the
situation in Negombo, where approximately 1,050 refugees were displaced from their
ordinary places of residence and are now being temporarily housed.</p><p>The British
High Commission in Colombo is in regular contact with the Sri Lankan Government, UN
agencies and civil society organisations who are working towards a sustainable solution,
including to identify secure relocation options to ensure protection of both refugees
and asylum seekers.</p><p>The Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific and I have
both met the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in recent weeks to raise concerns about
refugees and minority rights in Sri Lanka. The Minister of State for Asia and the
Pacific also addressed this issue in the House of Commons on 9 May.</p>
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