United States: A Sri Lankan provincial governor who has been accused of involvement in killings during the country’s civil war has been denied a visa by the United States on human rights grounds.
The decision signals the US government’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for alleged human rights violations and underscores the importance of upholding international human rights standards. The move comes amid ongoing efforts to promote justice and reconciliation in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the long and bloody conflict.
According to a recent investigation in Sri Lanka, former navy chief Mr. Wasantha Karannagoda and others are alleged to have abducted teenagers from affluent families, extorted money from them, and subsequently killed them.
The accusations highlight the disturbing nature of the alleged crimes and the potential abuse of power by those in positions of authority. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what legal action, if any, will be taken against those accused of these heinous acts.
In 2021, the charges against him were dropped, sparking outrage from human rights organizations. Following this development, he was appointed as governor of the North Western Province by then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who previously served as the defence chief during Sri Lanka’s victory over the Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009.
The appointment of someone who had previously faced serious allegations of human rights violations has been met with concern from many quarters, raising questions about the government’s commitment to promoting accountability and justice for victims of the long and bloody civil war.
US Secretary of State, Mr. Antony Blinken, has stated that the accusations against Wasantha Karannagoda, which have been documented by NGOs and independent investigations, are credible and represent a serious violation of human rights. US Secretary of State’s comments suggest a growing international concern about the alleged abuses committed during Sri Lanka’s civil war and the need for accountability and justice for the victims. It remains to be seen what actions will be taken by Sri Lankan authorities in response to these allegations.
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