Sri Lanka

Keith Vaz
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met members of the Sri Lankan Government; what was discussed; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Howells
When my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister in November 2007, at the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kampala, he reiterated our view that respect for human rights and democracy would help ensure a strong Sri Lanka and that we stood ready to support a process of reconciliation.

Keith Vaz
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans next to meet representatives of the Sri Lankan Government.

Dr. Howells
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has no current plans to meet representatives of the Sri Lankan Government. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials here and in Colombo remain in regular contact with Sri Lankan Government representatives.