EU asks Lanka to guaratee freedom for functioning of NGOs

Activist burned govr circuler

The European Union today asked Sri Lanka to guarantee the freedom for functioning of NGOs, days after the government imposed restrictions on their activities.  A statement from the EU of Sri Lanka said they were very concerned about the recent efforts to restrict legitimate public activities of civil society and non-governmental organisations in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka: EU calls for LLRC full implementation; Welcomes appoinment of experts to UN probe

The European Union (EU) today called for the full implementation of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and advancing a sustainable political solution saying they are essential for peaceful growth and stability in Sri Lanka.

EU condemns attack on Muslim community

The European Union Delegation issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Sri Lanka: The EU Delegation is very alarmed by the recent violence perpetrated against the Muslim community. We condemn the outbreak of communal violence which resulted in the loss of lives and extensive damage to property in the Kalutara District.

EU gives three reasons for supporting the UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka ; for now no compliance with Diaspora ban

David Daly

“Counter diaspora influence with strong domestic process”: EU Ambassador

Head of the European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka, Ambassador David Daly, speaks to the Daily FT about the bloc’s motivations to rigorously pursue accountability, the promotion of human rights and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, underscoring the need for the Sri Lankan Government to treat the actions at the UN Human Rights Council with the seriousness it deserves. Following are excerpts:

Immediatly release Ruki Fernandao and Fr. Praveen Maeasan - Human Rights committee, Europien Parliament

Barbara Lochbihler, MEP writes to GoSL AMB

Re: Sri Lanka – Arrest and detention of human rights defenders Ruki Fernando and Rev. Praveen Mahesan

Dear Ambassador Amza,

I am writing to you concerning the arrest of the human rights defenders Mr Ruki Fernando and Rev. Praveen Mahesan, who were both arrested and questioned by officers of the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) in Killnochchi, in northern Sri Lanka on Sunday 16 March 2014. Ruki Fernando is an adviser to INFORM, a human rights documentation centre in Colombo, and Rev. Praveen Mahesan of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) the director of the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Jaffna.

EU to back war crimes probe in Sri Lanka at UNHRC

The European Union (EU) has decided to back moves at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to actively support efforts to enhance accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, including a credible and independent investigation into the alleged severe crimes during the civil war, as well as to address the current human rights situation in the country.

European HR crusaders are similar to wolves in sheep clothing - President Rajapaksha

Europeans clamouring for Human Rights in Sri Lanka are akin to wolves sympathising with goats getting wet in the rain, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said. He said Western countries are talking of Human Rights without an iota of concern for the grievances faced by the people of all communities in the country.

 "Certain elements of our country are also supporting them," President Rajapaksa said at the annual prize giving of Ramanathan Hindu Ladies College, Colombo yesterday.

EU passes resolution on Lanka and calls for implementation of the LLRC

The European Union (EU) Parliament has passed a resolution calling on the Sri Lankan government to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission in full.
EU MPs appreciate the restoration of peace and welcome the first ever elections in the Northern Province. However, they note with concern that “the presence of government military forces in the former conflict areas remains considerable” and that there are continuing reports of intimidation and human rights violations.

Sri Lanka: EU calls for more progress on implementation of LLRC recommendations

The European Union (EU) Delegation in Sri Lanka today urged the Government to take further action to implement the recommendations in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission Report in order to ensure justice and meaningful reconciliation.

European Union concerned over unrest in Sri Lanka

(Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has joined the U.S. in raising concerns over Sri Lanka's political and religious rights after three people were killed in an army shooting and a Buddhist mob attacked a mosque, the bloc said in a statement on Wednesday.

Euro-MPs press Sri Lanka to probe war crimes

(COLOMBO) - European parliamentarians Friday asked Sri Lanka to deliver on promises to investigate allegations of war crimes and ensure ethnic reconciliation more than four years after crushing Tamil separatists.
A delegation of EU lawmakers requested Colombo ensure accountability in the face of what the UN calls "credible allegations" of up to 40,000 civilians killed in the final battles in 2009.

EU demands independent probe

Jean Lambert

The European Union (EU) wants an independent investigation and evaluation into the final years of the war in Sri Lanka, in addition to the national enquiries.
Jean Lambert, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to South Asia, told The Sunday Leader that the EU remains concerned about reports of threats and attacks on human rights defenders and journalists in Sri Lanka, and encourages authorities to hold those responsible accountable.

Sri Lanka: EU to push for accountability; support US resolution

The European Union (EU) will push for accountability from Sri Lanka during the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva next month.

A statement following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels yesterday said that the EU will also support efforts aimed at keeping the issues of accountability and reconciliation as well as the current human rights situation in Sri Lanka on the agenda of  the Human Rights Council.

Respect the right to peaceful protest; ensure the safety both of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake and of human rights defenders - EU

Catherine Ashton :It is vital that Sri Lanka ensures that its international obligations

Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the EU on the impeachment of Sri Lankan Chief Justice
The EU has followed with considerable concern the recent impeachment process against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.