The United Kingdom said extraordinary measures to tackle the COVID19 pandemic should not be used by Sri Lanka to roll back human rights.
"UK shares the concerns of Sri Lankan human rights organisations over the targeting and marginalisation of minority groups, the pardoning of Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and promotion of others accused of serious violations during the conflict, and the militarisation of a wide range of civilian functions and public initiatives,"
This was disclosed by UK International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French when she delivered a message at the UNHRC session on behalf of Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the UK, the Core Group on Sri Lanka.
The statement also said, "In February, the Government of Sri Lanka indicated that it no longer supported resolution 30/1, which Sri Lanka had co-sponsored in a landmark partnership with the international community to address the harmful legacies of war and build a sustainable peace in the country.
We reiterate our profound disappointment at this development. We remain firmly committed to advancing the resolution’s goals of accountability, reconciliation, and inclusive peace in Sri Lanka, it said.
At the regional level, Sri Lanka said it has contributed USD 5 million to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to assist pandemic related challenges in the region.
(LIN)