UK sanctions Shavendra, Karannagoda, Jagath Jayasuriya and Karuna Amman

Britain yesterday imposed sanctions on three former top Sri Lankan military Commanders and a former Tamil Tiger rebel commander allegedly linked to human rights abuses during the civil war, which ended in 2009.  

The sanctions target former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Shavendra Silva, former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda, and former Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya—as well as former Tamil Tiger rebel commander Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, also known as Karuna Amman. Muralitharan later led the Karuna Group, a paramilitary organization, the UK government announced.  

Accordingly, the measures, including travel bans and asset freezes, are a response to serious human rights violations during the conflict, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and sexual violence. The UK government emphasized its commitment to ensuring accountability for these abuses and working with Sri Lanka’s new government to improve human rights and national unity.  

Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, said:  

This decision ensures that those responsible for past human rights violations and abuses are held accountable.  The UK government looks forward to working with the new Sri Lankan government to improve human rights in Sri Lanka, and welcomes their commitments on national unity.  

The UK remains committed to working constructively with the Sri Lankan Government on human rights improvements as well as their broader reform agenda including economic growth and stability. As part of our Plan for Change, the UK recognises that promoting stability overseas is good for our national security.  

The UK has long led international efforts to promote accountability in Sri Lanka alongside partners in the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council, which includes Canada, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.