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Question
A state of emergency has been declared in Sri Lanka by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe after President Rajapaksa fled the country last night. The health system is on the verge of collapse due to a lack of medicine, there is no fuel for essential transport services and medical vehicles. Power cuts and school closures are widespread. McDonagh highlights that an International Monetary Fund bailout is essential but should be contingent upon democratic and human rights reforms, especially for the Tamil community.
Minister reply
We have been monitoring this very fast-moving situation closely and urge a peaceful and democratic transition in line with the constitution and rule of law. The Minister responsible for South Asia has engaged thoroughly with the team on the ground and urged previous Ministers to take steps to improve human rights, deliver justice, and accountability following the conflict.
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Question
I find it a pity that some people are seeking to use this urgent question to criticise the current Government in Sri Lanka. The problem is not governance but the decision to become an organic country within 10 years, leading to food shortages and overseas remittances not being returned. We need to provide food, fuel, and other supplies.
Minister reply
We are monitoring the situation closely. Economic support from the UK is forthcoming through multilateral institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
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Question
Sri Lanka faces political and economic crisis with shortages of basic goods, medicines, and large protests. President Rajapaksa has fled to the Maldives leaving political paralysis. Will the Minister outline immediate support offered to Sri Lanka, engagement with partners in the region, including India, and efforts to bring justice for human rights abuses?
Minister reply
I am more than happy to respond to your letter after the debate. We are monitoring the situation very closely.
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Question
The economic situation forced by ex-President Rajapaksa and his outfit lies at the heart of what is going on in Sri Lanka. Given Sri Lanka’s indebtedness to China, does the Minister agree that the risk is that Sri Lanka stands every chance of falling within the maw of malign jurisdictions? Will she ensure that the International Monetary Fund is engaged?
Minister reply
UK economic support is forthcoming through multilateral institutions such as the IMF.
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Question
Sri Lanka is facing a humanitarian crisis due to economic and political instability. The UN has called for $47.2 million in short-term emergency aid. Will the UK contribute to this effort? Also, will the UK support accountability measures against those responsible for human rights abuses? What discussions have been held regarding Sri Lanka's unmanageable debt?
Minister reply
The UK remains concerned about the humanitarian crisis and is working with UN agencies to coordinate responses. The UK advocates for justice and accountability for war crimes and human rights violations through the UN Human Rights Council process.
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Question
Given Sri Lanka's economic and political crisis, what support will the UK provide to help resolve it democratically? Can this include an IMF package and international arrest warrants for those responsible?
Minister reply
The UK encourages all sides in Sri Lanka to find a peaceful and democratic solution. The UK works with international partners through multilateral institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and UN.
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Question
Will the Prime Minister call the Sri Lankan PM to ask him to stop firing at innocent people?
Minister reply
Lord Ahmad is in regular dialogue with the high commission in Sri Lanka to monitor the situation closely.
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Question
Will medium-term support for Sri Lanka be contingent on it complying with its obligations under UNHRC resolutions?
Minister reply
The UK encourages Sri Lanka to respect democratic and international human rights standards, as seen in the recent UNHRC resolution.
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Question
What measures will be taken to support a new, strong, inclusive, and democratic government in Sri Lanka?
Minister reply
The UK encourages all sides to find a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive approach. Lord Ahmad is engaging with the high commission on the ground.
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Question
How will the UK address human rights issues in Sri Lanka?
Minister reply
The UK leads the way with the UNHRC process and encourages Sri Lanka to respect democratic and international human rights standards.
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Question
What will be done to support the IMF process, bilateral aid, and potential human rights matters?
Minister reply
The UK is well within timeframe for responding to relevant letters and providing necessary support.
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Question
Will the UK end funding to police training in Sri Lanka given documented human rights abuses?
Minister reply
UK’s police training has focused on women's roles and responses to sexual violence. Police Scotland will not participate in future programmes.
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Question
Will the UK support a peaceful democratic transition with a pluralist constitution ensuring long-term stability?
Minister reply
The UK encourages all sides to find a peaceful, democratic and inclusive approach in line with Sri Lanka's constitution.
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Question
What aid can the UK provide for Sri Lanka’s medical community facing critical shortages?
Minister reply
The UK provides humanitarian support to those in need.
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Question
Can the Government help those relying on tourism and facing starvation? What NGO or church contacts have been made for aid distribution?
Minister reply
Lord Ahmad met civil society groups and NGOs earlier in the year when visiting Sri Lanka.
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Question
What the Minister may not know is that Tory MP after Tory MP has taken trips funded by the Rajapaksa Government to this very troubled island. As a result, there has always been a striking lack of criticism of the Rajapaksa Government on human rights and governance. I do hope that the Minister will be able to tell the House that the Foreign Office had absolutely no involvement at all in the escape of Mr Rajapaksa from Sri Lanka. Can she also reassure the House that if the people of Sri Lanka want him back to face trial for corruption and poor governance, Britain will play its role in helping to get him back from the Maldives?
Minister reply
I am really disappointed by the nature of that question. I am here at the Dispatch Box because what we want is a peaceful, democratic and inclusive approach; we talked earlier about people who are worried about their family in Sri Lanka. We have been calling for restraint and for refraining from violence, so I am just not going to accept that question.