British High Commission clarifies cancellation of Rajapaksa's Oxford event

[TamilNet, Thursday, 02 December 2010, 20:07 GMT]
As a cabinet minister in Rajapaksa government called for a protest against the British Government in Colombo on Friday, the British High Commission issued a statement Thursday stating the planned address by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in London was a private event organized by the Oxford Union and the Sri Lankan High Commission in UK. The British Government was not involved in that event, it said. On Wednesday, The Times of India reported on Wednesday that Rajapaksa embarked on the trip after British government assured him diplomatic immunity.

The statement issued by the British High Commission in Colombo follows:

“Following a number of enquiries today, the British High Commission would like to make clear certain matters relating to the cancelled event at the Oxford Union.

The planned event was a private one organized by the Oxford Union and the Sri Lankan High Commission in London.

The UK government had no involvement in the planning of this meeting, or the decision to cancel it.

Public order and security considerations were a matter for the Oxford Union and the Police”.