Cabinet nod to form Ministerial Committee to review UK sanctions on four Lankan individuals

Thursday, 3 April 2025 05:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Committee comprises Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, Justice and National Integrity Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, and Defence Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekara
Empowers to seek assistance from experts and officials specialising in international law, human rights and diplomacy to aid investigation
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says committee aims to thoroughly analyse rationale behind UK sanctions, assess impact, legal framework and international relations

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Tuesday approved the formation of a three-member Ministerial Committee to examine the recent sanctions imposed by the UK on Sri Lankans and recommend further actions to the Government.

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the decision following the weekly Cabinet meeting, stating that the Government is taking the matter seriously and wants to understand the basis and implications of the UK’s unilateral decision.

The committee comprises Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, Justice and National Integrity Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, and Defence Deputy Minister Aruna Jayasekara.

He said the committee has also been empowered to seek assistance from experts and officials specialising in international law, human rights, and diplomacy to aid their investigation.

“This committee is to investigate matters involving the three former Military personnel and Karuna Amman, as many are giving different interpretations,” the Cabinet Spokesman said.

Dr. Jayatissa explained that the objective of the committee is to thoroughly analyse the rationale behind the UK sanctions and assess their impact on Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, legal framework. and international relations.

“This was the first such sanction imposed against Sri Lankans under the National People’s Power (NPP)-led Government, making it necessary to fully understand its implications before responding,” he said, responding to a question.

When asked about similar sanctions previously on General Shavendra Silva, Dr. Jayatissa reiterated that the Government would conduct a comprehensive study into the allegations.

“This committee will thoroughly examine all details related to these sanctions, including whether they pertain to pre-war, wartime, or post-war actions,” he said.

Dr. Jayatissa said the final report, once submitted to the Cabinet, is expected to guide Sri Lanka’s diplomatic and legal response to the UK’s decision while safeguarding national interests and international relations.

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