Sri Lanka: War Crimes
Defence
John Mann (Bassetlaw, Labour)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he had discussions in an official capacity on (a) defence industry sales and (b) war crimes allegations concerning the Sri Lankan army during his visit to Sri Lanka in July 2011.
Liam Fox (Secretary of State, Defence; North Somerset, Conservative)
holding answer
The United Kingdom has consistently called for an independent and credible investigation to address allegations of war crimes committed by both sides during in the conflict. During my visit I emphasised that the Sri Lankan Government should engage constructively with the UN Panel report's recommendations, and through their own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Committee initiate credible action to address the concerns including those highlighted by the UN. Defence exports were not a topic of discussion during the visit.