To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the government of Sri Lanka on the political situation in that country. (264123)

[holding answer 19 March 2009]: I refer my hon. Friend to my response of 5 March 2009, Official Report, column 1750W.

We are in regular contact with the Government of Sri Lanka. Most recently my noble friend Lord Malloch-Brown, the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, spoke to the Sri Lankan Minister for Foreign Affairs on 16 March 2009 about the political and humanitarian situation. We remain of the view that a political solution that addresses the legitimate concerns of all communities in Sri Lanka is the only way to bring a sustainable end to the conflict.