Lord Mark Malloch Brown meets Foreign Minister Bogollagama

Lord Mark Malloch Brown, Minister of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs of the UK, who is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka has commended President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his courageous move to restore democracy to the Eastern Province. This observation was made by Lord Brown, when he called on Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday (15/07/08) in Colombo at his official residence. Minister Bogollagama, while appreciating the importance of Lord Brown’s scheduled visit to Trincomalee, explained that it would be an opportunity for him to observe post-conflict development and experience the engagement of former members of a terrorist group in democratic governance and institutions. The British Minister pledged the UK’s support for development work in the Eastern Province.

Lord Brown acknowledged the achievements of the Sri Lankan Government in the field of human rights. It was noted during the discussions, the need to project these developments and demonstrate the positive direction of movement on human rights. Minister Bogollagama appreciated the UK’s understanding on the complexity of the concerned issues.

Discussing the upcoming GSP+ review for Sri Lanka, Lord Brown stated that the British Government was sensitive to its importance to the Sri Lankan economy. While expressing his hope that this preferential trading facility will be extended, the British Minister outlined areas which need to be addressed. Foreign Minister Bogollagama elaborating on this issue, highlighted the vital role of the GSP+ facility as a mechanism to spread the development effort countrywide, especially in the Eastern Province.

The two Ministers also discussed Sri Lanka’s concerns on LTTE fund raising and propaganda activities in the UK. Foreign Minister Bogollagama thanked the British Government for the action taken in curbing such activities and noted the ongoing legal process in respect of LTTE suspects who are under arrest. Lord Brown’s attention was also drawn to the activities of LTTE front organisations operating in the UK. They also exchanged views on the proposed Commonwealth Terrorism Meeting at Ministerial level to be held in Colombo early next year, which was proposed by Sri Lanka and adopted at the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala.

The British High Commissioner in Colombo, Dr. Peter Hayes was associated with Lord Brown at the meeting, while Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohona and Director General / Europe & CIS, Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne were present from the Sri Lankan side.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo 01

16 July 2008