Courtesy Hiru News

The Foreign Ministry has condemned the UK government’s decision to impose sanctions on four Sri Lankans, calling it a “unilateral action” that complicates the ongoing national reconciliation process.

The ministry stated that Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath conveyed Sri Lanka’s position to British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

The ministry referred to the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) press release dated March 24, which announced asset freezes and travel bans on three former military commanders and a former minister.

Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry said it is also noted that the UK FCDO Press Release refers to a commitment made during the election campaign to ensure those responsible are not allowed impunity;.

In this regard, the Ministry said it wishes to underline that this is a unilateral action taken by the UK government which involves an asset freeze and travel ban on the individuals concerned.

Such unilateral actions by countries do not assist but serve to complicate the national reconciliation process underway in Sri Lanka, the ministry said in the statement.

Emphasizing Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic mechanisms for accountability and reconciliation, the ministry asserted that past human rights violations should be addressed through local processes.