UK Sanctions Four Former Sri Lankan Commanders Over Civil War Abuses

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on four individuals, including former senior commanders of the Sri Lankan military and a former Tamil Tiger rebel commander, for serious human rights violations during the Sri Lanka civil war, which ended in 2009. The sanctions, which entail travel bans and asset freezes, target Shavendra Silva, Wasantha Karannagoda, Jagath Jayasuriya, and Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (known as Karuna Amman), who are accused of extrajudicial killings, torture, and sexual violence. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy reaffirmed the UK's commitment to human rights in Sri Lanka and expressed the desire to work with the new Sri Lankan government to promote accountability and national unity. He emphasized the need for acknowledgment and accountability for past abuses to foster peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka. The sanctions reflect a broader effort to hold accountable those responsible for atrocities during the protracted conflict, which resulted in an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 deaths. The UK continues to advocate for human rights improvements in collaboration with international partners.