Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien today met the Sri Lankan Minister for Economic Reform, Science and Technology, Mr. Milinda Moragoda.

Speaking after their meeting, Mike O'Brien said:

"I told Minister Moragoda that the Foreign Secretary and I have been following developments in Sri Lanka with increasing anxiety.

"The declaration of a State of Emergency and the prorogation of Parliament by the President have prompted strong concerns for the prospects of a speedy resumption of dialogue in a complex peace process. We strongly support the commitment shown by the Prime Minister and his government to pursue this process, which is at a crucial stage. These efforts have won international admiration.

"We hope the Prime Minister's return to Sri Lanka will enable the President and government to resolve the current political crisis in a spirit of transparency and common commitment to the peace process.

"The United Kingdom reaffirms its strong support for Sri Lanka, its democratic institutions, and the peace negotiations."