Urgent Clarification Demanded: Has MP Shritharan Betrayed Sri Lanka? Legal Experts Evaluate a Possible Sixth Amendment Violation - Jihan Hameed

A legitimate letter circulating on social media has sparked widespread concern and demands for clarity regarding MP Shritharan’s actions. The letter alleges that he sent a message endorsing foreign sanctions against Sri Lanka and accusing the state of grave human rights abuses. If true, such actions would not only undermine national sovereignty but also represent a profound betrayal of the trust bestowed upon him by the people.

Legal experts are now examining whether his actions constitute a violation of the Sixth Amendment, which explicitly prohibits any advocacy of separatism or any act that undermines the unity of the nation. This constitutional safeguard is designed to ensure that no public official jeopardizes the integrity of Sri Lanka by appealing to external forces or inciting division among its citizens.

The letter calls for an immediate explanation from Shritharan. It questions whether he truly authored the message and, if so, condemns his appeal to foreign powers at a time when unity and national stability are paramount. The allegations go beyond mere political disagreement—they challenge the fundamental principles upon which Sri Lanka stands and demand accountability from those in positions of power.

For many citizens, this issue transcends legal implications, striking at the heart of national honor and trust. Elected officials are expected to act in the nation’s best interests, and any deviation from this duty must be addressed transparently. The government and relevant authorities are urged to investigate the origins of the letter, confirm its authenticity, and take appropriate measures if any constitutional breach is found.

In these critical times, the people of Sri Lanka deserve nothing less than full accountability from their leaders. A prompt and clear response from MP Shritharan is essential to restore public confidence and ensure that the sanctity of our national unity remains uncompromised.

War winning President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Statement on UK Sanctions Against Sri Lankan Military Commanders

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, on former Sri Lankan military leaders over allegations of human rights violations during the war against the LTTE. In response, Sri Lanka’s 5th Executive President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, has issued a strong statement rejecting these allegations and highlighting the historical context of the war. He defends the actions taken by the Sri Lankan government and military, refutes claims of widespread human rights abuses, and criticizes the UK’s approach as being driven by political motives rather than facts. Read his full statement below.

Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda Speaks Out: The Truth Behind the Unjust Sanctions

 For decades, I have served Sri Lanka with unwavering dedication, committed to protecting our sovereignty and ensuring the safety of our people. I have stood firm in the face of challenges—whether on the battlefield, in matters of national security, or in defending our country against external interference. However, today, I find myself facing unjust sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, alongside General Jagath Jayasuriya general, Shavendra de Silva.   These sanctions are not about justice but are a direct result of international political maneuvering.

It was War Against Terrorism: A Fight for Survival

Sri Lanka did not seek war, but we had no choice when terrorism threatened to dismantle our nation. The LTTE, one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations in the world, carried out massacres, assassinations, and suicide bombings, terrorizing innocent civilians for decades. While the international community remained passive, it was the Sri Lankan Armed Forces that made the difficult decision to put an end to this brutality.

I take pride in the role I played as Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, ensuring that the LTTE’s international supply routes were destroyed. Without weapons, ammunition, and external support, their ability to continue fighting was significantly weakened. The decisive actions of the Navy, alongside the Army and Air Force, led to the eventual defeat of terrorism and the restoration of peace in Sri Lanka.

Selective Targeting and International Hypocrisy

These sanctions are not based on any transparent investigation or legal proceedings. Instead, they reflect the selective application of international pressure, targeting those who played key roles in Sri Lanka’s military victory. The same foreign entities that now impose restrictions did nothing while Sri Lanka was under siege by terrorists. They ignored the atrocities committed by the LTTE, but now demand accountability from those who risked their lives to end a war that claimed thousands of innocent lives.

This double standard raises a critical question: Is this truly about human rights, or is it about political influence?

Sri Lanka’s challenges did not end with the defeat of terrorism. There have been numerous internal and external attempts to destabilize the country, often with foreign involvement. As someone who has always prioritized the security of this nation, I am well aware of the forces that have worked against our national interests. These include individuals who have misused their positions of power, collaborated with external actors, and sought to manipulate political outcomes for personal gain.

The events of May 9, 2022, serve as a stark reminder of how internal betrayal and foreign interference can converge to create chaos. If not for the swift and decisive actions of the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force that night, the country’s leadership and future would have been drastically altered. While others plotted, it was the dedication of our military personnel that prevented a complete breakdown of order.

Despite these challenges, I remain committed to Sri Lanka. I have always placed my country above personal ambition, and I will continue to do so. No foreign government, no politically motivated sanction, and no internal betrayal can change my unwavering belief in this nation’s strength.

The people of Sri Lanka know the truth. They lived through the war, they witnessed the sacrifices made, and they understand who truly stood for the country in its time of need. These sanctions will not define my legacy or the legacy of those who genuinely defended this nation.

Sri Lanka has overcome greater challenges before, and we will do so again. As a nation, we must remain vigilant, united, and steadfast against all forces—both foreign and domestic—that seek to weaken us.

The UK’s Sanctions on Sri Lankan Military Leaders: A Question of Justice or Selective Accountability? -Jihan Hameed

On March 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on three former Sri Lankan military commanders, citing allegations of war crimes committed during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009. The individuals sanctioned include Shavendra Silva, former Chief of Staff of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, Wasantha Karannagoda, former Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy, and Jagath Jayasuriya, former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army.

These sanctions impose travel bans and asset freezes, allegedly as part of the UK’s commitment to justice and accountability. However, the decision raises critical questions about fairness, political motives, and selective justice in international affairs.

Sri Lanka’s civil war lasted 26 years (1983–2009), making it one of the longest-running and most devastating conflicts in South Asia. The war pitted the Sri Lankan government against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), an internationally designated terrorist organization that fought for a separate Tamil state in the North and East of Sri Lanka.

The LTTE was responsible for suicide bombings in civilian areas, assassinations of political leaders—including Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India—the use of child soldiers, and the ethnic cleansing of Muslims in the North and East.

By 2009, the Sri Lankan military launched a final operation to eradicate the LTTE, effectively bringing peace to the nation for the first time in decades. The Sri Lankan government has always maintained that the war was fought against terrorism—not against a particular ethnic group—and was conducted with extreme caution to minimize civilian casualties.

Unlike many military conflicts worldwide, where large-scale bombings indiscriminately destroy entire cities, the Sri Lankan armed forces engaged in one of the most complex and humanitarian military campaigns in history. Their operations safeguarded over 300,000 Tamil civilians, who were being held as human shields by the LTTE.

If Sri Lanka had truly committed systematic war crimes, why do Tamil civilians today live peacefully alongside Sinhalese and Muslims in a unified country? If war crimes were the real concern, why has the UK never taken action against the LTTE’s global financial network, which operated freely in London, Canada, and other Western capitals?

The decision to impose sanctions more than 15 years after the war ended raises concerns about political motivations rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. Sri Lanka remains a stable, democratic nation that has made significant strides in reconciliation and post-war recovery. The military has played a crucial role in demining operations, resettlement programs, and rebuilding war-torn areas.

By sanctioning these individuals now, the UK risks undermining Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and reconciliation efforts. The country has its own legal mechanisms to address any allegations of misconduct, and foreign intervention often complicates rather than resolves these issues.

If the UK is truly committed to justice, why has it never sanctioned Western military leaders responsible for civilian deaths in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya? Why has it ignored LTTE front groups that raised millions to fund terrorism? Why does it remain silent on well-documented war crimes in Palestine, Yemen, or Syria?

By selectively targeting Sri Lanka while ignoring far worse atrocities committed by Western allies, the UK damages its own credibility on human rights issues. Selective justice is not justice at all.

Sri Lanka must stand firm against external pressures and defend its sovereignty. The government, along with its international allies, should push back against politically motivated actions that seek to undermine the country’s stability.

At the same time, Sri Lanka should continue its efforts toward reconciliation and economic progress, ensuring that all communities feel secure and included in the nation’s future. The focus must remain on economic recovery, strengthening international partnerships, and maintaining national unity.

The UK’s decision may complicate diplomatic relations, but Sri Lanka must navigate this challenge with confidence and clarity. The real victims of this decision are not the sanctioned individuals, but the truth and fairness that global justice should stand for. aOn March 24, 2025, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on three former Sri Lankan military commanders, citing allegations of war crimes committed during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009. The individuals sanctioned include Shavendra Silva, former Chief of Staff of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, Wasantha Karannagoda, former Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy, and Jagath Jayasuriya, former Commander of the Sri Lankan Army.

These sanctions impose travel bans and asset freezes, allegedly as part of the UK’s commitment to justice and accountability. However, the decision raises critical questions about fairness, political motives, and selective justice in international affairs.

Sri Lanka’s civil war lasted 26 years (1983–2009), making it one of the longest-running and most devastating conflicts in South Asia. The war pitted the Sri Lankan government against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), an internationally designated terrorist organization that fought for a separate Tamil state in the North and East of Sri Lanka.

The LTTE was responsible for suicide bombings in civilian areas, assassinations of political leaders—including Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India—the use of child soldiers, and the ethnic cleansing of Muslims in the North and East.

By 2009, the Sri Lankan military launched a final operation to eradicate the LTTE, effectively bringing peace to the nation for the first time in decades. The Sri Lankan government has always maintained that the war was fought against terrorism—not against a particular ethnic group—and was conducted with extreme caution to minimize civilian casualties.

Unlike many military conflicts worldwide, where large-scale bombings indiscriminately destroy entire cities, the Sri Lankan armed forces engaged in one of the most complex and humanitarian military campaigns in history. Their operations safeguarded over 300,000 Tamil civilians, who were being held as human shields by the LTTE.

If Sri Lanka had truly committed systematic war crimes, why do Tamil civilians today live peacefully alongside Sinhalese and Muslims in a unified country? If war crimes were the real concern, why has the UK never taken action against the LTTE’s global financial network, which operated freely in London, Canada, and other Western capitals?

The decision to impose sanctions more than 15 years after the war ended raises concerns about political motivations rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. Sri Lanka remains a stable, democratic nation that has made significant strides in reconciliation and post-war recovery. The military has played a crucial role in demining operations, resettlement programs, and rebuilding war-torn areas.

By sanctioning these individuals now, the UK risks undermining Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and reconciliation efforts. The country has its own legal mechanisms to address any allegations of misconduct, and foreign intervention often complicates rather than resolves these issues.

If the UK is truly committed to justice, why has it never sanctioned Western military leaders responsible for civilian deaths in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya? Why has it ignored LTTE front groups that raised millions to fund terrorism? Why does it remain silent on well-documented war crimes in Palestine, Yemen, or Syria?

By selectively targeting Sri Lanka while ignoring far worse atrocities committed by Western allies, the UK damages its own credibility on human rights issues. Selective justice is not justice at all.

Sri Lanka must stand firm against external pressures and defend its sovereignty. The government, along with its international allies, should push back against politically motivated actions that seek to undermine the country’s stability.

At the same time, Sri Lanka should continue its efforts toward reconciliation and economic progress, ensuring that all communities feel secure and included in the nation’s future. The focus must remain on economic recovery, strengthening international partnerships, and maintaining national unity.

The UK’s decision may complicate diplomatic relations, but Sri Lanka must navigate this challenge with confidence and clarity. The real victims of this decision are not the sanctioned individuals, but the truth and fairness that global justice should stand for.