Foreign Secretary calls for Sri Lanka to work towards a comprehensive and lasting political settlement

20 October 2010

In a meeting today with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Professor GL Peiris, Foreign Secretary William Hague said the political settlement needs to address the needs of all Sri Lanka's communities.

The Foreign Secretary discussed the work of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commisson with Professor Peiris and hoped that it would engage with the UN Panel of Experts.

The Foreign Secretary stressed the need for Sri Lanka to have a credible and independent process to address allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law during the conflict. He hoped that Sri Lanka would show clear commitment towards democracy, human rights law and freedom of the press.

The two Ministers also discussed wider bilateral relations and areas of common interest.