Visiting UK Minister Mark Field has met with families of the disappeared from Sinhalese and Tamil Communities in Sri Lanka to hear of their hopes for the Office of Missing Persons.
He has also spoken to conservationists in Sri Lanka on the further steps that must be taken to combat illegal wildlife trade and preserve natural habitats in the island.
The visit to Colombo and Jaffna on the 5th and 6th October is Mr Field’s first official visit to Sri Lanka since becoming Foreign Office Minister for Asia and the Pacific.
He also met with UK and Sri Lankan education institutions at the British Council to discuss education, and the UK’s world-leading role in transnational learning.
During his two day he called on Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana, Minister of Finance and Media Mangala Samaraweera, Leader of the Opposition R. Sampanthan, Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya and Chief Minister of Northern Province C. V. Vigneswaran.
In northern Sri Lanka, the Minister will visit a UK-funded demining operation and meet families living on land cleared of mines. He will speak with British demining charity the Halo Trust and hear how UK support for demining has enabled displaced families to return home.
He will also visit the British Council teaching centre in Jaffna where he will talk with young people about their aspirations for the future and the importance of education.
Prior to his visit, Mr. Field said that the UK and Sri Lanka are long-standing friends, and that they are committed to supporting Sri Lanka achieve its commitments on reconciliation and human rights.
“I welcome the Sri Lankan government’s commitment to reconciliation and strengthening democracy.”
“I am looking forward to talking with the government and affected communities about the additional steps that are needed to deliver long-term peace and stability for all Sri Lankans,” he said.
