The United Kingdom today welcomed Sri Lanka’s response to recommendations following its Universal Periodic Review (UPR), however expressed concern regarding the freedom of expression in the island nation.

“We welcome Sri Lanka’s acceptance of UK’s recommendations to fully and transparently investigate alleged grave breaches in international humanitarian law during the conflict,” the representative from UK said addressing the UN Human Rights Council.

The UK expressed hope to the see the fulfillment of the recommendations “as soon as possible, given the lack of transparency in procedures to date”.

“However, we have serious concerns about freedom of expression in Sri Lanka given the recent attacks on a number of journalists,” the UK said.

The representative further said that the rejection of UK’s recommendation to ensure that “all citizens are able to freely express their opinions and beliefs without fear of reprisal and retribution and to invite the special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression to visit,” requires further explanation from Sri Lanka.

“Given Sri Lanka’s statement that it stands ready to facilitate the visit of the High Commissioner of Human Rights to Sri Lanka and that human rights defenders enjoy every protection of their rights, the UK fails to see why the government of Sri Lanka cannot accept this recommendation in full,” he said.

The UK also voiced its concern that no justification has been given by Sri Lanka for the rejection of recommendations relating to the independence of the judiciary.   

“The impeachment of the Chief Justice ran contrary to the clear rulings of Sri Lanka’s highest courts and the proceeding appeared to contravene principles of fairness, due process and respect for the independence of the judiciary,” the UK said.