(Con): Does my noble
friend recognise that Sri Lanka was a founder member of the
Commonwealth and stood by our country in relation to the Chagos
Islands and the Falklands
First, does he agree that at this time Sri Lanka needs real,
practical help rather than theoretical help? I declare that I was
there just over five weeks ago. That practical help means
medicines and possibly some help with energy. Secondly, should we
not be promoting in the medium term the advantages of Port City
Colombo, which is a major investment for our country, to renew
our connections? Thirdly and finally, should we not recognise for
the record that were it not for Mahinda Rajapaksa, there would
have been a terrorist rogue state in the northern part of Sri
Lanka and that at least he did that well?
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Office () (Con): My
Lords, like my noble friend I have recently visited Sri Lanka. As
well as focusing—rightly, I believe—on the important issues of
justice, reconciliation and accountability, I focused on
practical steps to strengthen our bilateral relationship with Sri
Lanka, including on issues of trade and the port that my noble
friend mentioned. On immediate support in the crisis, I have said
already that we are working through the World Bank and that the
$600 million includes assistance to provide economic and health
support, including vital medicines and medical equipment. We are
engaging directly with the new Prime Minister through our high
commissioner to ensure that Sri Lanka’s priorities are fully
understood. We will give support as appropriate.
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