The UK has not yet decided on the level of any attendance at the 2013 CHOGM to be held in Colombo, but will be looking to Sri Lanka to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the Commonwealth values of good governance, adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights, a top British official said.  

We believe that true prosperity is not possible without good governance, property rights and the rule of law, effective public services and strong civil institutions, visiting UK Minister Alistair Burt said.

He stated that it is for these reasons that the UK has welcomed the LLRC report and continue to encourage the Sri Lankan government to take concrete action to implement its constructive recommendations.

“And it is why the UK speaks frankly to the Sri Lankan government about what more we believe it needs to do to ensure peace and prosperity in your country,” he said on Friday delivering a guest lecture on ‘Sri Lanka: 2013 and beyond’ at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Minister for South Asia stated that these issues have been an important component of his discussions during this visit and that he has encouraged the Sri Lankan government to “cut red tape, to address corruption” and to set up an effective co-ordinating mechanism for investment – each of which would make Sri Lanka a more attractive market for investors.  

“I have again welcomed the end of the war, and the end of horrific LTTE terrorism in Sri Lanka.”  But I have also called on all parties to uphold civil and political freedoms, and for the government to set an example, he said.

Burt stated that the rule of law is crucial to long-term prosperity and that respect for the country’s legal systems is part of the cultural heritage of both the UK and Sri Lanka.  ”As a lawyer myself it is a principle I feel particularly strongly about.”

Pointing out that judicial independence is a core principle in free countries, the FCO Minister stressed that justice must not only be done, but also be seen to be done.  It is why the UK and others, such as the International Commission of Jurists and the UN, have expressed deep concern at the recent impeachment and dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice, he said.

Alistair Burt said that more work is needed to deliver the path to reconciliation that President Rajapaksa has frequently and sincerely advocated and that the Government must ensure that all citizens can benefit more fully from the peace dividend.

Speaking on the intense international attention Sri Lanka has come under in recent years, Burt said that scrutiny will return at the UN Human Rights Council in March, which will review progress on the implementation of the LLRC recommendations.

“This is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to set out its achievements and challenges, and work with the international community to advance our shared objectives,” he said.

The Minister said it is clear that scrutiny from the international community will be even more intense in 2013 – the year that Sri Lanka is due to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).  

“As the UK has repeatedly stated we have not yet decided on the level of any attendance at CHOGM, but we will be looking to Sri Lanka, as we would any host, to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the Commonwealth values of good governance and democratic principles, adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights.  This will help ensure a well-attended and successful meeting.”