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<p>I was deeply concerned by reports of anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka in February
and March 2018 and wrote to Foreign Minister Marapana on 7 March setting out these
views.</p><p>President Sirisena declared a State of Emergency between 6 and 17 of
March, and placed restrictions on some social media platforms, out of concern that
extremists were using these platforms to inflame the situation. I understand that
the Government of Sri Lanka has opened a dialogue with Facebook to ensure that effective
action is taken against those who spread hate speech online. We support that approach.
We have urged the Government of Sri Lanka to take effective law enforcement measures
against those involved in the violence.</p><p>The United Kingdom has made a long-term
commitment to improving human rights in Sri Lanka and is dedicated to supporting the
rebuilding of the country after three decades of civil conflict. The UK is providing
Sri Lanka with £8.3 million of Conflict, Stability and Security Fund funding over
three years (2016-2019). I met with the Head of Tamil National Alliance and Foreign
Minister during my October visit to Sri Lanka. We discussed many bilateral issues,
including the implementation of the UN Human Rights Council Resolution 34/1 and inter-communal
violence. It is vital that all leaders in Sri Lanka condemn violence and hate, and
make every effort to promote harmony.</p>
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