Colombo, March 26 (Daily Mirror) – In response to the UK sanction on the Sri Lankan officials including three former military leaders, the Foreign Ministry said today that such unilateral actions by countries do not assist but serve to complicate the national reconciliation process underway in Sri Lanka.
The Minister said it in response to the press Release dated March 24, 2025, issued by the UK, Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) titled “UK Sanctions for Human Rights Violations and Abuses during the Sri Lankan Civil War”. As stated in the press release, the UK government has imposed sanctions on four individuals, three of whom are former military commanders of the Sri Lankan armed forces.
“It is also noted that the UK FCDO Press Release refers to “a commitment made during the election campaign to ensure those responsible are not allowed impunity”. In this regard, the Ministry wishes to underline that this is a unilateral action taken by the UK government which involves an asset freeze and travel ban on the individuals concerned. Such unilateral actions by countries do not assist but serve to complicate the national reconciliation process underway in Sri Lanka.
The government is in the process of strengthening domestic mechanisms on accountability and reconciliation and any past human rights violations should be dealt with through domestic accountability mechanisms.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath conveyed Sri Lanka’s position to British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick today.
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