UK Sanctions Ex-Sri Lankan Military Leaders for Civil War Abuses

The UK has imposed sanctions on four former military leaders from Sri Lanka, citing human rights violations during the 26-year civil war that ended in 2009. These sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes due to alleged war crimes, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence.

The United Kingdom announced on Monday the imposition of sanctions against four former senior military figures from Sri Lanka over alleged human rights violations during the civil war that concluded in 2009.

The sanctions, which comprise travel bans to the UK and asset freezes, target ex-commanders Shavendra Silva, Wasantha Karannagoda, Jagath Jayasuriya, and Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, also known as Karuna Amman. These individuals are accused of participating in war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The United Nations estimates that the 26-year conflict claimed between 80,000 and 100,000 lives. Both government forces and the Tamil Tigers have faced accusations of severe violations, although Sri Lanka has consistently denied such charges. UK foreign minister David Lammy emphasized the UK's commitment to seeking justice for those affected by these abuses.

(With inputs from agencies.)