Local Member of Parliament, Dr. Matthew Offord MP, welcomed the Secretary of State for International Development to Mill Hill yesterday morning for a meeting with the Sri Lankan community from across the Hendon constituency. The Rt. Hon. Justine Greening MP met local residents to discuss their views and opinions, particularly their views on the current political situation in Sri Lanka and how the British Government can help the Sri Lankan Government with national and international issues from trade links to continuing efforts to remove mines from land in Sri Lanka.
Matthew commented, “I visited Sri Lankan three years ago to see for myself how the UK Government is helping the reconstruction of the island since the end of the conflict. Visiting hospitals in Jaffna, the new port in Hambantota and mine clearance in Kilinochchi, I was pleased to see how peace is bringing reconstruction. The election of a new government provides an ideal opportunity for British initiatives in trade, development and reconstruction. This, I believe, will provide the foundation for reconciliation and will allow and independent inquiry to occur. It was also a pleasure to have Justine come to speak with local Sri Lankan residents in Mill Hill. Hendon is such a diverse constituency that has so many diasporas from various nations and it is important that these diasporas views of their local communities and of their native countries are not ignored but encouraged. I hope that the British Government will continue to improve Britain’s relationship and support of Sri Lanka.”