Tamil Parties Urge Further Sanctions in Meeting with UK Deputy PM

20-Feb-2026

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Representatives of Tamil nationalist parties met UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy at the British High Commission in Colombo on 17 February, urging continued international pressure and sanctions related to alleged human rights violations.

They emphasized the need for a new constitution and a political solution for Tamil rights, stating that unity should not come at the expense of political rights. They also stressed the urgency of holding provincial council elections without 

delay.

The delegation called for continued UK pressure and additional sanctions against individuals accused of crimes against humanity. Lammy noted that the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora in the UK had raised key issues with him ahead of his visit.