Colombo, 20 January 2022 (TDI): On 18 January, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo, the Minister of State for South Asia, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth of the UK, Tariq Ahmed, paid a visit to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris. The two parties discussed the special, multi-faceted partnership shared between Sri Lanka and the UK.

Areas of Bilateral Cooperation 

Keeping in view the UK’s aim of establishing a ‘Global Britain’, both Ministers highlighted prospects for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. In particular, they exchanged thoughts on how to develop trade, tourism, investment, education, among others, through joint strategies.

In addition, the Sri Lankan Minister briefed Ahmed on his discourse with British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss, which took place in London, in October 2021. During this exchange, topics of mutual interest were confronted.

Both sides agreed that it was essential to intensify dialogue between both countries’ foreign ministries. There was also a focus on Sri Lanka’s upcoming 75th anniversary of independence. Peiris and Ahmed negotiated the appropriate ways in which to commemorate this occasion, based on their multi-faceted partnership.

Multi-faceted Partnership
British State Minister Tariq Ahmad and UK officials (left) in conversation with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris and additional attendees (right)

Foreign Minister Peiris brought up the measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka in restoring peace and promoting human rights in the region. He made specific references to actions taken by independent commissions, and potential amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Also, he mentioned work carried out by the SDG Council in reinforcing public institutions and governance.

Furthermore, Peiris expressed gratitude on behalf of Sri Lanka to the UK for its extensive support in the field of counter-terrorism. He remarked that the Government appreciated how Britain barred the LTTE from operating as a terrorist organization in the UK.

Additional Remarks 

Both parties doted on the valuable contributions of the Sri Lankan diaspora communities residing in the UK, towards Britain’s development. Peiris suggested that an inclusive procedure should be followed when it came to diaspora engagement. This would create a unifying narrative, which would, in turn, play a role in developing Sri Lanka.

Additionally, the Foreign Minister also congratulated the UK on its fruitful hosting of COP 26, the UN Climate Change Conference, in Glasgow, in November of last year. The British Minister quipped that Sri Lanka’s participation at the conference was highly commendable. He discussed follow-up actions and inquired about Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting green energy initiatives.

The two sides lastly discussed the potential of deepening relations with the Commonwealth during their involvement in the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, as well as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.