The European Court of Human Rights gives its judgement in the case of NA v. United Kingdom: the expulsion of the applicant to Colombo would constitute a violation of Article 3, the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment, of the European Convention on Human Rights. In the Court's view, both the assessment of the risk to Tamils of certain profiles and the assessment of whether individual acts of harassment cumulatively amounted to a serious violation of human rights could only be done on an individual basis.
Timeline of events under "Britain" issue
According to a Home Office statement, British police and immigration officials arrested Karuna Amman following a joint operation between Britain's new Border and Immigration Agency and London police.
Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers in the UK may be at risk of torture if returned to Sri Lanka, according to a landmark ruling by a British tribunal.
Britain’s Keith Vaz, Labour MP, leads a parliamentary group to look into the Sri Lankan conflict situation and suggest what more could be done to restart the peace process.
Britain announces a freeze on aid to Sri Lanka of about US$3 million that it had earlier pledged to help Sri Lanka pay its debts to the World Bank, citing concerns over deteriorating human rights.
The Government warns foreign diplomats not to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs or risk expulsion. Britain's High Commissioner was questioned by officials following his visit to the editor of the Daily Mirror, who had alleged that Gotabhaya Rajapakse had threatened her.
Representatives from 51 countries and 22 organisations participate at the Tokyo Donor Conference. The conference is chaired by Japan, Norway, the US and the EU. US$4.5 billion is pledged by the international community for the reconstruction and development of Sri Lanka.
Washington hosts a prelude to the Tokyo Donors Conference bringing together international representatives for discussions on how international assistance can reinforce and strengthen the peace process. US blocks LTTE participation as it is a banned group.
Britain proscribes the LTTE under new anti-terrorism laws designed to halt funding and support for UK based terrorist groups.
Britain’s Liam Fox facilitates an agreement between President Chandrika Kumaratunga and opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe, the main purpose of which is to refrain from undermining the efforts for peace by the government in office.
Ending 152 years of British colonial rule, Britain grants independence to Ceylon. D.S. Senanayake of the United National Party becomes its first prime minister.
A Select Committee is appointed to study the question of the transition of the official language from English to Sinhala and Tamil.
Soulbury Constitutional Commission is established to examine a constitutional draft prepared by the Ceylonese ministers of government and, on the basis of it, to make recommendations for a new constitution.
Britain becomes the first European power to win control over the entire island of Ceylon.
