UK Minister cancels Lankan visit

UK Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth Tariq Ahmad has cancelled his planned visit to Sri Lanka early next week.

The move is due to the country declaring widespread restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19.

On Wednesday during remarks in UK Parliament, Lord Tariq Ahmad confirmed that his proposed visit to Sri Lanka had been cancelled.

In response to Lord Naseby’s statement on Sri Lanka same day, Ahmad said: “My noble friend Lord Naseby talked about the importance of reconciliation with Sri Lanka, which I was due to visit in the coming few days – unfortunately, the national lockdown there has prevented me from making that visit next week. Nevertheless, I am engaging directly with the new Government – but we stand by the strength of our resolution, passed at the Human Rights Council.”

Ahmad is also UK Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict. His ministerial portfolio includes human rights, anti-corruption and open societies, democracy and governance, UN and multilateral business. Lord Ahmad had a 20-year career in banking and finance, including at the NatWest group.