February 23, Colombo (LNW): The Oxford Union has called off a scheduled address by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa following objections from Tamil student groups and human rights campaigners.
The decision comes shortly after the Cambridge Union also cancelled a planned appearance by the same MP, citing security considerations linked to anticipated demonstrations.
According to reporting by Cherwell, Oxford Union President Katherine Yang explained that the move was prompted by concerns raised by students who felt unable to engage freely in the proposed event. She noted that open and direct questioning lies at the heart of the Union’s tradition, and that several individuals closely connected to the issues surrounding Sri Lanka’s recent history had expressed unease about participating in such a forum.
Yang reportedly stated that while alternative formats were explored, any arrangement that limited meaningful engagement from those most affected would undermine the integrity of the debate. She emphasised that the Union’s purpose is to foster rigorous discussion in an environment where all participants feel able to speak without fear.
Rajapaksa, a member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, is currently visiting the United Kingdom. During his stay, he paid a visit to the London Buddhist Vihara, which is marking its centenary this year with a series of commemorative events.
The diaspora advocacy organisation Tamil Solidarity had urged both debating societies to withdraw their invitations, arguing that offering a prestigious platform to the MP risked legitimising controversial aspects of Sri Lanka’s political past. The group signalled its intention to stage protests should the events proceed.
Tamil Solidarity, founded in 2009, campaigns on matters including alleged wartime abuses, accountability mechanisms and the rights of Tamil-speaking communities. The episode has reignited debate within British universities over how best to balance freedom of expression with the concerns of students who feel directly impacted by the subject matter under discussion.