The UK government has announced sanctions against four individuals accused of serious human rights violations during Sri Lanka’s civil war, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and sexual violence.
Among those sanctioned are former senior Sri Lankan military commanders and a former LTTE military leader who later headed the paramilitary Karuna Group, which operated in coordination with the Sri Lankan military against the LTTE.
These measures, which include travel bans and asset freezes, specifically target individuals responsible for severe human rights abuses during the conflict.
UK Foreign Secretary’s Statement
David Lammy, the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to human rights in Sri Lanka and the pursuit of accountability for past violations.
“The UK government is dedicated to ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses that occurred during the civil war, which continue to affect communities today. I made a commitment during the election campaign to prevent impunity for those responsible. This decision ensures accountability for past human rights violations.”
Lammy further stated that the UK looks forward to collaborating with the newly elected Sri Lankan government to improve human rights and welcomed its commitment to national unity.
Diplomatic Engagement and Sanctions Impact
During her visit to Sri Lanka in January, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West MP, engaged in constructive discussions on human rights with Sri Lankan leaders, including the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, as well as civil society organizations and political representatives from the northern region.
The UK government emphasized that moving forward requires acknowledgment and accountability for past injustices, and that the newly introduced sanctions support this effort. The UK remains committed to fostering economic stability and human rights improvements in Sri Lanka as part of its broader Plan for Change.
International Efforts and Listed Individuals
The UK has been a leading advocate for accountability in Sri Lanka, working closely with partners in the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council, including Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.
The individuals sanctioned by the UK include:
- Shavendra Silva – Former Head of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces
- Wasantha Karannagoda – Former Navy Commander
- Jagath Jayasuriya – Former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army
- Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (Karuna Amman) – Former LTTE military commander and leader of the Karuna Group
These sanctions underscore the UK’s firm stance on human rights and its ongoing efforts to promote justice for victims of Sri Lanka’s civil war.
