PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
12th anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan civil war (17 May 2021)

That this house recognises that 12 years on from the end of the Sri Lankan civil war, most alleged human rights abuses primarily against Tamil people are yet to be investigated; acknowledges that those allegations include indiscriminate bombing in no~fire zones, summary executions of surrenderers, torture, sexual violence and abductions; appreciates the UK Government has played a vital role as leaders of the core group on Sri Lanka within the Human Rights Council; remains deeply concerned that despite various international resolutions and the establishment in 2015 of institutions in Sri Lanka to investigate the impact of the war, very little investigation has taken place and some of those facing investigation hold powerful positions in Sri Lanka today; is further concerned that in recent months the independence of the judiciary has been undermined by amendments to the Sri Lankan constitution and has little confidence any further investigations will take place; calls on the UK government to take action as laid out by various hon. Members in recent debates; and urges the Government to mark the 12th anniversary by following the equivalent actions of the US in adding General Shavendra Silva, Acting Chief of Defence Staff and the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army to the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, thus demonstrating the UK’s commitment to international human rights obligations and that international action is the only way that accountability, reconciliation and peace will come to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka and all of its people across the world.

Sponsored by:
Anne McLaughlin (Scottish National Party)