Foreign Office Minister responds to Channel 4 documentary on Sri Lanka

15 March 2012

Minister for South Asia Alistair Burt spoke after the transmission of Channel 4's documentary 'Sri Lanka's Killing Fields, War Crimes Unpunished'.

"Once again, Channel 4 has brought to international attention important and disturbing evidence to support allegations of grave abuses in Sri Lanka.

“Since the end of the conflict, the international community has called for an independent, credible and thorough investigation into alleged war crimes on both sides of the conflict. Channel 4’s documentaries reinforce the need for that investigation.

“I continue to believe that Sri Lanka, in accordance with its Government’s public statements, can achieve lasting peace and reconciliation. But this requires a full and honest acknowledgement of the past and it requires processes, in which all parties take part, to ensure justice, reconciliation and political progress.

“That is why the UK will urge the UN Human Rights Council to pass a resolution next week which calls on Sri Lanka to