HC Deb 21 November 1995 vol 267 cc67-8W
Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have recently been made to the Government of Sri Lanka. [565]

Mr. Hanley

Our high commissioner in Colombo is in frequent contact with members of the Sri Lankan Government. I refer the hon. Member to a declaration made by the European Union on 15 November. A copy is being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Mr. Timms

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which areas of Sri Lanka have been defined as safe for(a) Sri Lankan nationals and (b) others; and when he last reviewed this policy. [13]

Mr. Hanley

Our current travel advice for visitors to Sri Lanka is set out below. It is under constant review and was last updated on 15 November.

Peace talks between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam—LTTE—broke down on 19 April and fighting is on-going in the north and east. Do not visit these areas. On 7 August, a bomb exploded in central Colombo, killing 21 people and injuring over 50. There were further similar incidents in October and November. More can be expected. Curfews may be imposed from time to time. Although foreigners are unlikely to be directly targeted, visitors should exercise extreme caution in public places. The south and centre, including all the main tourist areas and the cultural triangle, remain largely unaffected. Further information may be obtained direct from the British high commission in Colombo: Tel: 437336, Fax 430308.

Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current political, military and refugee situation in Sri Lanka. [567]

Mr. Hanley

We welcome President Kumaratunga's recent statements that the conflict in Sri Lanka can be resolved only through a negotiated settlement. We believe that the Government of Sri Lanka's devolution proposals form a basis for discussion on a settlement acceptable to all Sri Lankans.

We have urged both the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam—LTTE—to make every effort to protect the civilian population. We welcome the Government's recent statements concerning the shipment of relief supplies to the north.