HC Deb 22 May 1986 vol 98 cc303-4W
Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about Britons flying helicopter gunships against Tamils in Sri Lanka; what representations he has received about a company called Keeni Meeni Services (KMS) in this context; how many British citizens are employed by the Sri Lankan Government to give training to its armed forces; what instructions have been given to the British high commission in Sri Lanka in relation to British citizens who are involved in military action against the Tamils; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

We have received no formal representations about Britons flying helicopter gunships in Sri Lanka nor about Keeni Meeni Services (KMS). We understand that KMS has for a number of years provided training to the Sri Lankan security forces. The details of the agreement under which such training is provided is a commercial matter between the company and the Sri Lankan Government. We have, however, made it clear to both that we do not wish British subjects to become involved in the fighting. The Sri Lankan Government have assured us that KMS personnel would not be employed in an operational role. We are not aware of any other British citizens giving training to the Sri Lankan armed forces. No special instructions have been given to the British High Commission in Sri Lanka.

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