UK Pledges Support to Safeguard Religious Freedom in Sri Lanka

22-Nov-2025

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UK will continue to support efforts to ensure religious freedom and the rights of all communities with diverse beliefs in Sri Lanka, announced Seema Malhotra, Parliamentary Secretary in the UK Parliament.

She said this in response to a written question raised by MP Ruth Jones.

She noted that the UK continues to stress the importance of protecting the rights of Sri Lankans to practise their beliefs without oppression and the need for religious tolerance.

The British High Commission in Colombo regularly engages with government officials, religious leaders, and representatives of minority and civil society groups to listen to their concerns, encourage dialogue between communities, and counter religious persecution.

She recalled that the former UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Affairs visited Sri Lanka last January and met with activists working on religious freedom, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights.

She also stated that during a visit in October, the Indo-Pacific Minister met Sri Lanka’s Speaker and Minister of Justice to discuss the importance of respecting human rights and adopting transparent processes that include all groups.