British High Commission spokesperson Dominic Williams confirmed that the British Foreign Secretary will address the Global Tamil Forum in London on 24 February. The statement was released after Sri Lanka lodged its “strong protest” regarding Miliband’s intended participation.


Full Statement;

A British High Commission spokesperson confirmed that the British Foreign Secretary would address the Global Tamil Forum in Londonon 24 February.   

The spokesperson said: ‘‘In his speech to the Global Tamil Forum, the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband will re-emphasise that a peaceful, political solution is the only way to produce a lasting answer to Sri Lanka’s conflict. It is for all Sri Lanka’s people to decide what that solution should look like.  The UKfirmly believes that the only way to achieve lasting and equitable peace in Sri Lanka is through genuine national reconciliation. The UKwill engage with all members of the Sri Lankan community who share this goal, whether overseas or in Sri Lanka. Foreign & Commonwealth Office officials regularly meet with members of the Sinhalese, Muslim and Tamil communities in the UK to discuss this and other developments in Sri Lanka.’’