Sarvajana Balaya MP Dilith Jayaweera said yesterday that the country couldn’t turn a blind eye to the developing situation. The intrepid entrepreneur-turned-politician said that he was both surprised and disappointed by the NPP government’s response to the British announcement.

The text of MP Jayaweera’s statement: I am deeply surprised and disappointed by the Government of Sri Lanka’s lackluster response to the United Kingdom’s unfounded decision to impose sanctions on three of our most distinguished military leaders—General Shavendra Silva, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, and General Jagath Jayasuriya. These individuals played a pivotal role in ending a brutal terrorist conflict that plagued Sri Lanka for decades, ensuring peace and stability for all its citizens.

It is the sacrifice and courage of our armed forces that led us to roam freely in this island. There will be no conversation on development if we were in the clutches of terrorism.

Our dignity as a nation depends on how we treat the ones who defended our sovereignty during our darkest hour. As someone who has worked closely with our military and witnessed firsthand the unwavering will and determination that led us to victory, I cannot remain silent as baseless allegations are used to undermine their legacy. The UK’s decision should not be ignored or dismissed; it demands a strong and immediate response.

I hoped to have seen a response from the GoSL alongside the mobilization of our Foreign Affairs Unit to address this shocking move by the UK, which is rooted in misinformation being spread about our country. The failure to do so raises serious concerns about how we safeguard our nation’s interests on the global stage. “