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Written question asked by Yasmin Qureshi (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 May 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 June 2019. It was answered by Mark Field (Conservative) on Tuesday, 4 June 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sri Lanka: Terrorism

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Sri Lankan counterpart on protection for the Muslim community from retaliatory attacks in that country; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

The Government has made a number of representations to the Sri Lankan authorities regarding the protection of the Muslim community and other minorities in Sri Lanka. In the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks we urged the Sri Lankan government, faith and community leaders to lead an inclusive response to the attacks that brought different communities and faith groups together, and ensured the protection of minorities.

The Minister of State for Security and Economic Crime, Ben Wallace, visited Sri Lanka on 2-3 May and met with President Sirisena, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and a number of faith leaders to underline this message. Lord Ahmad and I have raised the issue of protection for minority groups with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, and our High Commission in Colombo has continued to raise concerns with the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, including following the outbreaks of violence against Muslim communities on 13 May.

I addressed the House on this matter on 14 May, and our High Commission also joined an EU statement on 16 May calling on political, religious and other community leaders to make every effort to promote understanding and harmony between communities.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
257499
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Protection Muslims Terrorism Sri Lanka
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk