UK Slaps Sanctions on Ex-Sri Lankan War Commanders Over Civil War Atrocities

 By: Manaoh Kikekon

Britain Sanctions Sri Lankan Commanders and Ex-Rebel Leader Over War Crimes

Shavendra Silva Former Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces

The UK government on Monday announced sanctions against three former senior Sri Lankan military leaders and a former Tamil Tiger rebel commander for their alleged roles in human rights abuses during the country’s decades-long civil war, which ended in 2009.  

The sanctions include travel bans to Britain and asset freezes, targeting: Shavendra Silva – Former Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces, Wasantha Karannagoda– Former Navy Commander and Jagath Jayasuriya – Former Army Commander. 

Additionally, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (alias Karuna Amman), a one-time Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) commander who later defected and led a pro-government paramilitary group, was also sanctioned.  

The United Nations estimates that 80,000–100,000 people were killed in the 26-year conflict between Sri Lankan forces and Tamil separatists. Government troops and security forces have faced persistent allegations of war crimes, including extrajudicial killings, torture, sexual violence, and enforced disappearances—even years after the war’s end.  

A 2011 UN report uncovered "credible allegations" of severe abuses by both sides, with some acts potentially amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Sri Lanka has consistently denied these accusations and resisted international investigations.  

British Foreign Minister David Lammy stated: "The UK is dedicated to upholding human rights in Sri Lanka, including ensuring accountability for wartime violations that still affect communities today."

(REUTERS)