The United Kingdom has announced sanctions against four individuals accused of committing serious human rights abuses during Sri Lanka’s civil war. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes, targeting those responsible for atrocities such as extrajudicial killings, torture, and sexual violence.
Among those sanctioned are two former senior commanders of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces—Shavendra Silva, ex-Army Commander, and Wasantha Karannagoda, former Navy Commander. Jagath Jayasuriya, another former Army Commander, has also been listed. Additionally, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, known as Karuna Amman, a former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) commander who later led the paramilitary Karuna Group, is included.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the country’s commitment to supporting human rights in Sri Lanka and ensuring accountability for past abuses. “During the election campaign, I pledged to ensure those responsible are not granted impunity. These sanctions are a step toward holding them accountable,” Lammy stated.
He added that the UK looks forward to working with Sri Lanka’s new government to improve human rights and strengthen national unity. Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West MP, also held discussions with Sri Lankan leaders and civil society during her recent visit, focusing on human rights concerns.
The UK reaffirmed its long-standing role in promoting accountability in Sri Lanka, working closely with international partners through the UN Human Rights Council’s Core Group, which includes Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.
The British government stressed that lasting peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka depend on acknowledging and addressing past human rights violations.
