UK HC raises Geneva with Prez

British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton has asked how Sri Lanka and the UK could work together in respect of the Geneva resolution.

HC Hulton has raised the issue when she along with First Secretary at the BHC, Colombo Andrew Price met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat. Lalith Weeratunga, Chief Advisor to the President and Foreign Secretary retired Admiral Jayanath Colombage were present.

The President’s Office in a statement issued yesterday evening said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in addition to explaining matters in respect of the Geneva resolution stated the government stand on land matters, etc.

Authoritative sources said that the government would pay compensation for land taken over and examine areas which could be released.

The UK in its capacity as the leader of Sri Lanka Core Group led the efforts against Sri Lanka at the 46th session of the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council where a resolution was adopted with 22 countries voting for the setting up of a new inquiry.

The President’s Office said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa sought British expertise to evaluate environmental damage caused by the ship disaster off Colombo.

Among the other issues discussed were the Covid-19 situation , the President’s Office said, adding that HC Hulton expressed views on how the UK could help Sri Lanka’s ongoing inoculation drive.