The United Kingdom expressed concern over the reversal of human rights progress in Sri Lanka and also welcomed and endorsed the detailed report of the UNHRC high commissioner, already tabled in the ongoing session, Colombo page reported.  

Expressing regret over Sri Lanka’s decision to withdraw from the co-sponsorship of UNHRC 2015 resolution, Tariq Ahmad, the UK's Minister for the UN and Human Rights,  said “We are also concerned at the increase in surveillance and indeed harassment of civil society actors, the militarisation of these civilian governmental functions.”

He further raised the issue of the country’s forced cremation policy that is fundamentally discriminatory against Muslim and Christian minorities of the country. However, hours after his statement in the ongoing 46th UNHRC session, the Sri Lankan government issued notification discontinuing the policy of forced cremation.  

“The Human Rights Council must continue to consider the situation in Sri Lanka and press for progress on justice, reconciliation and accountability, and improved respect for human rights. Enhanced monitoring by the Office of the High Commissioner is critical to support this,” he said.

He further said, “Together with our Core Group partners, we will present a new resolution to continue the Council’s engagement on these important issues, and have indicated our desire to work with the Government of Sri Lanka in support of accountability and lasting reconciliation for all communities.”