-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -24.March.2025, 11.20 PM) In a move that has sent shockwaves across Sri Lanka’s political and military elite (and perhaps led to some frantic Googling of ‘how to hide assets overseas’), the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on four individuals for their alleged involvement in serious human rights violations during the Sri Lankan civil war. The list includes some of the country’s former military bigwigs and a certain ex-rebel-turned-politician-turned-everything-in-between, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan—better known as Karuna Amman.
For a country that’s still grappling with economic turmoil and political intrigue that would put any Netflix thriller to shame, this latest development is yet another layer of drama. After all, who needs reality TV when you have Sri Lankan politics?
The UK’s travel bans and asset freezes have targeted the following individuals:
General Shavendra Silva – Former head of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, whose name has been whispered in various corridors of power for all the wrong reasons.
Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda – Former Navy Commander, making waves for more than just maritime security.
General Jagath Jayasuriya – A former Army Commander, now facing international scrutiny rather than a ceremonial salute.
Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (Karuna Amman) – The former LTTE military commander who switched sides faster than a cricketer changing bats mid-match.
If political acrobatics were an Olympic sport, Karuna Amman would have several gold medals by now. From LTTE warlord to government paramilitary chief to minister to god-knows-what-next, he has lived more lives than a video game character with unlimited respawns.
UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, made it clear that Britain is committed to human rights in Sri Lanka. “This decision ensures that those responsible for past human rights violations and abuses are held accountable,” he said, with the same determination as a schoolteacher scolding a class for unfinished homework.
Britain’s move is certainly commendable, though one might ask—why now? These names have been floating in human rights reports for years. Perhaps the UK government finally ran out of patience, or maybe someone in Whitehall discovered an old file and went, “Hang on a minute, didn’t we forget to deal with this?”
If history is any guide, expect a chorus of indignant responses from Sri Lankan officials.
"This is an attack on Sri Lanka’s sovereignty!" (Classic defense.)
"They were just doing their duty!" (A time-tested excuse.)
"This is a Western conspiracy!" (The go-to explanation for everything, from economic collapses to bad weather.)
Meanwhile, those sanctioned are probably calling their lawyers, financial advisors, and astrologers—because in Sri Lanka, even geopolitical crises require astrological guidance.
While Sri Lanka has long enjoyed a cozy (if complicated) relationship with the UK—one built on colonial history, cricket, and questionable diplomatic exchanges—this latest move puts a dent in the dynamic.
The UK, like a disapproving elder sibling, is sending a message: “We see what you did, and we’re not letting it slide.” Whether this will actually lead to justice or just some diplomatic theatrics remains to be seen.
For now, the sanctioned individuals will have to rethink their next vacation plans—London’s afternoon tea sessions are definitely off the menu. As for their assets? Well, offshore banking has never been more fashionable.
Stay tuned. In Sri Lankan politics, there’s always another twist around the corner.
-By A Special Correspondent
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by (2025-03-24 17:57:55)
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