EU, SL hold informal counter-terrorism dialogue

• Common challenges relating to violent extremism and terrorism were discussed and experience regarding responses was shared

The European Union (EU) and Sri Lanka held an informal counter-terrorism dialogue where the EU presented a support package for Sri Lanka focusing on law enforcement, rehabilitation and disengagement, counter-narratives and online radicalisation.  

In a statement, the EU Embassy said the dialogue was chaired by EU Counter-terrorism Coordinator Gilles de Kerchove and Sri Lankan’s Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Ahmed A. Jawad on Monday.   

Head of Division for Counter terrorism John Gatt-Rutter accompanied Mr de Kerchove who underlined the EU’s solidarity with Sri Lanka following the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.   
Common challenges relating to violent extremism and terrorism were discussed and experience regarding responses was shared.   

The EU underlined the importance of efficient coordination of counter-terrorism efforts, the essence of focusing on the prevention of violent extremism and the importance of counter-terrorism responses to be fully in line with human rights obligations.  The EU presented a support package for Sri Lanka under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace to be implemented with the UNODC and UNDP.   

The package worth EUR 8.5 million will notably focus on law enforcement, rehabilitation and disengagement, counter-narratives, and online radicalisation.   
Following the dialogue, Mr de Kerchove was set to hold meetings with President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana.