The National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), MP Namal Rajapaksa, has issued a strong statement via X (formerly Twitter), criticizing the recent sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom on Sri Lanka’s war veterans.
MP Rajapaksa emphasized that the UK’s move is not about upholding human rights, but rather the outcome of sustained lobbying by groups that once supported the LTTE. He asserted that these sanctions are politically motivated and compromise national reconciliation efforts.
“This is not justice,” Rajapaksa stated, alleging that certain Western politicians are using financial influence to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs while enjoying privileges themselves. He warned that such actions threaten the hard-won peace in the country.
Highlighting the sacrifices made by Sri Lanka’s armed forces, the MP called on citizens from both the North and South to recognize that the freedom they enjoy today was achieved through difficult and decisive actions. He cautioned that these sanctions could demoralize the military, potentially weakening their resolve in the face of future national security threats.
“These measures will only lower the morale of our forces. If another crisis arises, they may not have the courage to respond,” he said.
MP Rajapaksa also accused those behind the sanctions of neglecting the real issues faced by the Tamil community, stating that they are more focused on creating divisions than fostering peace.
He urged the Tamil community not to be misled by certain Tamil politicians who, he claimed, are collaborating with international NGOs to gain political advantage by sowing division.
Furthermore, Rajapaksa questioned whether the current administration, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister Vijitha Herath, would stand by the war heroes who secured peace, or remain silent in the face of foreign interference.
In his message, he reaffirmed his party’s unwavering support for the armed forces. “We will always protect our war heroes. Their sacrifices have brought peace to our country, and we will never allow anyone to undermine their legacy,” he said.
The full statement from MP Namal Rajapaksa on X reads as follows:
“Sri Lanka is the first nation to completely defeat terrorism. It is no secret that the authorities who are committed to Western terrorism funded the atrocities of the LTTE. They are still trying to justify terrorism and hunt down our war heroes who brought peace.”
“I strongly condemn the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom. These sanctions are only for war heroes who have worked to protect human rights and live in harmony in one country, even risking their lives. There are no sanctions against LTTE terrorism. This terrorism is the result of the influence of various groups operating on its behalf.”
“This is not justice, and the people of the North and South must understand that the freedom we enjoy today is the result of tough and direct decisions that jeopardize the reconciliation of our nation.”
“These sanctions will demoralize our entire armed forces. They are also a direct attack on the territorial integrity of a single state. What those behind these sanctions are doing is creating problems in this country and jeopardizing reconciliation. They are not solving the real problems of the Tamil community in this country.”
“The Tamil communities in the North and East in particular now have a clear path to vote. Therefore, their real goal is to sabotage the progress that has been made. We will never allow anyone to disrupt reconciliation between the nations.”
“I reiterate, again and again, that we were acting militarily against terrorism and not against any ethnic group. Even the American President recently exposed the fact that billions of dollars were spent to create divisions between our communities through certain non-governmental organizations.”
“I kindly request the Tamil community not to be swayed by the agenda of certain Tamil politicians who seek certain privileges.”
“Your Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister Vijitha Herath, your government came to power with the support of those who belittled the sacrifices of our army.”
“The question I raise is whether you protect those who have established peace in the Sri Lankan homeland when foreign forces attack them, or whether you remain silent and inactive?”
“We will always protect the war heroes who have protected our nation. It has been that way since then, and will continue to be so. Their sacrifices have secured our peace, and let us ensure that we will never allow anyone to disrupt their legacy.”
