The British High Commission in Colombo, Thursday, called on Sri Lanka to cooperate with the UN war crimes probe, reports Colombo Page.
Sri Lanka and the UK as Commonwealth Members have committed to values set out in the Commonwealth Charter such as democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law, said the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka John Rankin.
"It is in context of such commitments, both in the Commonwealth and in the United Nations, that we continue to call on Sri Lanka to cooperate with the international investigation mandated by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in March, and to fully implement the specific recommendations in your own Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission report, including on accountability and ensuring justice for victims of all sides during the conflict," he added.
Rankin expressed further concern over the recent anti-Muslim violence that had gripped the south of the island recently.
"Together with our colleagues in the European Union we reiterate our concern over the recent outbreak of communal violence which has resulted in the loss of lives in Sri Lanka and trust that clear steps will be taken to deter incitement, protect communities and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. We welcome the Government's assurances to that effect," he said.
Rankins comments come as Sri Lanka passed a motion in parliament that rejected the UN probe in to wartime atrocities on the island.
Sri Lanka parliament rejects UN probe. TNA opposes, UNP abstains (18 June 2014)
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