War crimes by Srilanka & Justice for victims
Sri Lanka stands at a crossroads in its post-war trajectory. The country has long struggled to address allegations of war crimes, often dismissing them as politically motivated attacks. However, the recent UK sanctions demonstrate that the international community remains invested in seeking justice for victims of wartime atrocities.
Sanctions, announced on March 24, 2025, under the UK’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020, specifically target former senior military officials Shavendra Silva, Jagath Jayasuriya, and Wasantha Karannagoda, as well as ex-paramilitary leader Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (Karuna). Measures include asset freezes and travel bans, effectively barring them from entering the UK or accessing British financial systems.
For Sri Lanka to move forward, there must be an internal reckoning. It is not enough to rely on the goodwill of the international community to address these issues. The Sri Lankan government and military must take decisive steps to ensure that justice is served within their own ranks. Failing to do so risks further international isolation and damages the nation’s standing on the global stage.
If the country is to uphold its dignity and credibility, it must demonstrate that it is serious about addressing human rights abuses.
The Sri Lankan military has a duty—not just to the nation, but to humanity—to ensure that no individual is above the law. The time for excuses is over. The world is watching, and justice must prevail.
