Britain will discuss Sri Lanka’s progress on implementation of the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on accountability for mass atrocities at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta.

Speaking to The Island a British High Commission spokesperson said “the UK has welcomed the commitments made by the Sri Lankan government to the UN Human Rights Council to address issues of reconciliation, accountability and human rights” and “we believe it is vital that the legacy of the conflict in Sri Lanka is properly addressed, to allow the country to fulfill its huge potential”.

The spokesperson went on to add:

“Sri Lanka is not on the formal agenda at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta, but we look forward to discussing progress in our meetings with the Sri Lankan delegation”.

The United Kingdom said that it will continue to monitor the situation of detainees held by the Sri Lankan government under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and would "raise issues of ongoing concern with the Sri Lankan government".

British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire responded to questions tabled by member of parliament Joan Ryan regarding Tamil political prisoners by stating Britain continues to "regularly raise matters of concern with the Sri Lankan government, including the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the detention of Tamil political prisoners without trial".

"We noted that on 17 November the hunger strike by Tamil detainees was temporarily suspended until 15 December," added the minister. "We will continue to monitor closely the situation of detainees held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and to raise issues of ongoing concern with the Sri Lankan government."

Students at Jaffna University marked the remembrance month of November by donating blood.

The blood drive was held on Tuesday at the university's library auditorium, with over a hundred students participating.

The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris said the UK would continue to promote the rule of law, good governance and democracy, calling them the “golden thread of conditions that drive prosperity all across the world”.

Speaking at the National Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards Ceremony 2015, Mr Dauris said emerging countries such as Sri Lanka will be increasing important in driving global growth and that “putting in place the right policies and reforms will be essential to unlock their full potential for growth”.