The Oxford Union has cancelled a scheduled address by Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa after concerns were raised by British Tamil groups and student organisations.

The decision follows a similar move by the Cambridge Union, which had also invited Rajapaksa to speak but withdrew the event earlier amid criticism and planned protests.

In a statement to Cherwell, Oxford’s independent student newspaper, Oxford Union President Katherine Yang said the cancellation was made after students expressed concerns regarding their safety and ability to engage in the event.

“A core part of the Union’s purpose is enabling direct, open questioning from students. In this case, a significant number of the students most closely connected to the subject matter communicated that they did not feel safe asking questions openly. While alternative formats, such as submitting questions indirectly, were considered, Matthew Remedios and I felt that the inability of those most affected to participate directly undermined the substance of the forum,” she said.

She added that an event in which key stakeholders are unable to engage on equal terms would not meet the Union’s objective of facilitating robust debate.

Rajapaksa had been scheduled to address the Union within 24 hours of the cancellation.