Published on: 2025-03-25

Intelligence Report: UK Sanctions for Human Rights Violations and Abuses During the Sri Lankan Civil War – Globalsecurity.org

1. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

The UK has implemented sanctions targeting individuals responsible for human rights violations during the Sri Lankan civil war. These measures include travel bans and asset freezes aimed at promoting accountability and preventing impunity. The UK remains committed to working with the new Sri Lankan government to improve human rights and foster national unity.

2. Detailed Analysis

The following structured analytic techniques have been applied for this analysis:

General Analysis

The UK sanctions target key figures involved in human rights abuses during the Sri Lankan civil war, including extrajudicial killings and sexual violence. The sanctions are part of a broader strategy to support human rights improvements and economic reforms in Sri Lanka. The UK collaborates with international partners to promote accountability and stability in the region.

3. Implications and Strategic Risks

The sanctions could strain UK-Sri Lanka relations but are necessary to uphold international human rights standards. Regional stability may be impacted as the sanctions target influential figures. Economic interests could be affected if tensions escalate, potentially influencing trade and investment.

4. Recommendations and Outlook

Recommendations:

• Enhance diplomatic engagement with Sri Lanka to mitigate potential backlash from sanctions.
• Support Sri Lanka’s economic reform efforts through technical assistance and collaboration with international financial institutions.
• Encourage transparency and accountability within Sri Lanka’s government and military structures.

Outlook:

Best-case scenario: Sri Lanka embraces reforms, leading to improved human rights and economic stability.
Worst-case scenario: Tensions escalate, resulting in regional instability and economic downturn.
Most likely scenario: Gradual improvements in human rights with ongoing challenges in political and economic reforms.

5. Key Individuals and Entities

The report mentions significant individuals and organizations but does not provide any roles or affiliations. Key figures include:

• Shavendra Silva
• Wasantha Karannagoda
• Jagath Jayasuriya
• Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (also known as Karuna Amman)

These individuals are linked to various human rights violations during the civil war, and their sanctioning is part of the UK’s efforts to promote accountability.