The British government has responded to a letter by Tamil diaspora groups calling on the Foreign Office to investigate alleged war crimes committed against Tamils by British mercenaries in Sri Lanka. The government has recommended referring the allegations to a special war crimes unit within the Metropolitan Police.
Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth Lord Ahmad responded to the letter which was sent shortly following the publication of Keenie Meenie: The British Mercenaries Who Got Away with War Crimes by Phil Miller.
“I recognise the concerns you have raised… and the impact the publication has had on the Tamil community,” the minister said.
“These are very serious allegations, which I recommend you raise with the War Crimes Unit of the Metropolitan Police. This Unit is responsible and has the specialist skills for the investigation of all allegations of war crimes such as those referred to in your letter.”
Referring to the UK’s role in UN Human Rights Council resolutions on Sri Lanka, the minister concluded “I can assure you that the British government will continue to press for truth, accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.”
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