Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Nuwara Eliya District representative Karuppiah Ramakrishnan has criticised the decision by the Oxford and Cambridge Unions to cancel scheduled addresses by MP Namal Rajapaksa, stating that his remarks were directed at the specific incident rather than the institutions as a whole.

In a statement, Ramakrishnan said the eleventh-hour cancellations, which followed protests from sections of the Tamil diaspora, reflected what he described as a failure to uphold open debate in that instance. He maintained that his criticism was limited to the handling of the event and did not amount to a broader condemnation of the two debating societies.

Ramakrishnan argued that the cancellations represented a missed opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation, adding that differences of opinion should be addressed through discussion rather than withdrawal of platforms.

He reiterated that the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009 under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had brought peace to the country. According to him, communities that were once divided by conflict are now coexisting, and reopening past grievances from abroad could hinder reconciliation efforts.

Referring to the Upcountry Tamil community, Ramakrishnan said conditions had markedly improved since the conclusion of the conflict. He noted that during the war years, strict security measures and restrictions shaped daily life, but that such circumstances no longer prevail.

While acknowledging the right to protest, he said concerns should be weighed carefully to ensure that they reflect a broader constituency rather than a limited group. He urged international forums to facilitate balanced engagement on Sri Lanka-related issues.

Ramakrishnan concluded by expressing hope that future engagements would proceed in a manner that supports constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.