Diplomats preparing for the UN Human Rights Council next month have expressed concern Australia is working to ''actively undermine'' a push for an international inquiry into human rights abuses in Sri Lanka, because of Australia's eagerness to co-operate with the country's leaders on asylum seekers.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced in November his government would give Sri Lanka two Bay-class patrol boats, at a cost of $2 million, to help the country stem the flow of asylum seekers to Australia.

Co-operation: The Abbott government has given patrol boats to Sri Lanka.

It is part of a wider agreement between the two countries, which has led to the Sri Lankan navy, with Australia's help, intercepting boats trying to depart the Sri Lankan coast and returning them.

Well-placed sources involved in the preparations for the UN meeting have told Fairfax there is ''deep concern'' among US and British officials at Australia's position.