UK Deputy PM meets Dissanayake in Colombo as British MP calls for justice

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy in Colombo today, as a British parliamentarian renewed calls for accountability for atrocities committed against Tamils.

Following the meeting, Dissanayake said the visit demonstrated international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.

In a message posted on social media, he stated, “His timely visit reinforces global confidence in Sri Lanka’s recovery after the economic crisis and Cyclone Ditwah. Grateful for UK support on debt restructuring, zero-tariff textile access and continued partnership in tourism, investment and reconciliation.”

The Sri Lankan government has not revealed further details on the aspects of “reconciliation” that were discussed.

Lammy was Britain’s foreign secretary as the UK sanctioned several Sri Lankan military figures accused of war crimes. He has previously spoken out extensively against the atrocities committed, calling for Sri Lanka to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC), and paid tribute to “the sacrifices made by the Tamil people for self-determination, for peace, and for justice in Sri Lanka”.

The talks come as Sri Lanka continues to seek international backing to stabilise its economy, including support from the United Kingdom on debt restructuring, trade access and investment. 

Labour MP Uma Kumaran said she had raised the issue directly with UK officials, stressing that justice for Tamil victims must be central to any engagement with Colombo.

“I have once again raised the need for the UK to press the Sri Lankan Government on human rights violations in Sri Lanka – including historic atrocities committed against the Tamil people,” she told the Tamil Guardian this morning. 

“Those responsible for human rights abuses must face justice. Meaningful reconciliation requires truth, accountability and human rights guarantees. I hope this discussion takes place, alongside important conversations on the support the UK Government has given to Sri Lankan people following the devastation of cyclone Ditwah.”

Her intervention reflects ongoing concerns raised by Tamils and international human rights groups, who have repeatedly warned that successive Sri Lankan governments have failed to deliver credible investigations into mass atrocities, enforced disappearances and other abuses across the North-East. The crimes, including the massacre of tens of thousands in Mullivaikkal in 2009, are being increasingly recognised as a genocide.