UK Minister of State for Asia, Hugo Swire expressed hopes that Sri Lanka would implement the resolution it co-sponsored at the last session of the UNHRC before June, 2016. 

"Sri Lanka made important commitments when it co-sponsored a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution in Geneva last October, which we hope to see implemented ahead of the June 2016 UNHRC. I have been encouraged and impressed by President Sirisena’s government, his commitment to tackle the legacy of Sri Lanka’s conflict – which has cast a shadow for too many years – his keenness to restore democracy, and his desire to reinvigorate ties with old friends like the United Kingdom," Swire said after his arrival to Sri Lanka. 

"I am delighted to be visiting Sri Lanka. It is almost a year since my last visit and I am struck by how far Sri Lanka has come in that short time. Today, I see a country in which many Sri Lankans, of all ethnicities, can look forward to a brighter future than was imaginable just twelve months ago'" the UK Minister added. 

"The United Kingdom has much to offer Sri Lanka and we are determined to help, not least through our Prime Minister’s commitment to a further £6.6 million of support over the next 3 years. We want to see all Sri Lankans reaping the benefits of sustainable prosperity, underpinned by a stable, secure and integrated country," he also said.

Swire is expected to meet President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera during his stay in Sri Lanka. He will also visit Jaffna where he will meet Nothern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran.