In a significant move, the UK has imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankan individuals due to their involvement in human rights violations during the country’s tumultuous civil war. This includes notable military commanders, with violations tied to the 2009 defeat of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam). These individuals, now smothered by travel bans and asset freezes, are General Shavendra Silva, Wasantha Karannagoda, Jagath Jayasuriya, and Vinyagamurthy Muralidaran.
The UK Foreign Office revealed these sanctions on Monday, emphasising the importance of accountability for serious abuses such as extrajudicial killings, torture, and sexual violence. Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, David Lammy, conveyed the UK’s unwavering commitment to human rights in Sri Lanka, pointing out the enduring consequences of historical violations on present-day communities. He expressed a desire for cooperative efforts with Sri Lanka’s new government to foster a better human rights landscape.
The recent sanctions align with similar actions taken by the US State Department in 2020 and Canada in 2023 against figures like the Rajapaksa brothers, who orchestrated the decisive military campaign against the LTTE. General Silva, alongside Karannagoda, played pivotal roles in combat operations that decisively ended almost 30 years of conflict in the region.
The UK has sanctioned four Sri Lankan individuals for their roles in human rights violations during the civil war, which ended in 2009. Key figures targeted include military commanders and a former LTTE deputy leader, now facing travel bans and asset freezes. The UK government emphasises its commitment to human rights in Sri Lanka and aims for cooperative progress with the new administration.
The UK’s sanctions against prominent Sri Lankan figures underscore a firm stance against historical human rights abuses. By targeting military commanders responsible for egregious violations during the civil war, the UK strengthens its call for accountability and human rights improvements in Sri Lanka. This action reflects a broader commitment to justice and reconciliation within the country, highlighting the need for a collaborative effort with the prevailing government.
Original Source: myind.net
