UK watching Sri Lanka closely says minister of state for human rights

UK's minister of state for human rights, Lord Ahmad said developments in Sri Lanka were being watched closely and emphasised the need to protect human rights, rule of law and good governance. In his interim statement on the human rights situation in 2018 in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) 30 human rights priority countries, Lord Ahmad noted: "the UK is following developments in Sri Lanka closely and is aware of the concern felt by many about the potential impact on human rights defenders."

"We have spoken to all parties about the need to protect and promote human rights, the rule of law and good governance. We are in close touch with civil society representatives and international partners to ensure that we are ready to respond to a changing context, if necessary."