Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has responded to the UK government’s decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders and a former minister.

In a statement, the ministry acknowledged the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) press release, dated 24 March 2025, titled “UK Sanctions for Human Rights Violations and Abuses during the Sri Lankan Civil War.”

The UK has imposed an asset freeze and travel ban on four individuals, three of whom are former military commanders of the Sri Lankan armed forces. The Sri Lankan foreign ministry also noted that the UK’s announcement referenced a commitment made during its election campaign to ensure accountability.

However, the ministry criticised the move, stating that it is a “unilateral action” that does not support Sri Lanka’s national reconciliation process but rather complicates it.

Full statement: