Charter Flight to Sri Lanka Thursday 6th December 2012
Despite public controversy, these mass expulsions to Sri Lanka are actually becoming more frequent. There are now charter deportation flights from London to Colombo departing on an almost monthly basis.
Since December 2011, activists in London have attempted three times to physically block the buses which transfer Tamils from the detention centre to the deportation flight. Their actions have caused delays and given Barristers more time to get removal directions cancelled. Although these protests have resulted in 10 arrests, the Crown Prosecution Service have repeatedly dropped all charges, days before activists were due in court. Is this to avoid further disclosure of the Government's complicity in torture?
Read more by 'Stop Deportations' here . . . .
Sri Lanka [Discrimination against religious minorities] - House of Commons statement
Sri Lankan people are generally free to practice their religion. But religious groups have complained of onerous administrative burdens placed on certain religions and religious education that does not take into account minority faiths. We have also received reports of discrimination against certain religious groups. Our high commission monitors developments carefully on all human rights concerns in Sri Lanka, and keeps in contact with religious leaders. We regularly urge the Sri Lankan Government to make progress on all human rights issues.
House of Commons / 3 Dec 2012 : Column 585W