World

U.S. Blacklists Sri Lanka Governor Over War Killings

The United States said Wednesday it would deny visas to a Sri Lankan provincial governor accused of atrocities during the island’s protracted civil war.

A Sri Lankan probe accused former navy chief Wasantha Karannagoda, among others, of kidnapping wealthy families’ teenage children and killing them after extorting money.

Authorities dismissed charges against him in 2021, sparking outrage from human rights groups, and he was soon appointed governor of North Western Province by then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who served as defense chief when Sri Lanka defeated the Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009.

“The charges against the Karannagoda remained serious and credible, and neither the governor nor his wife would be permitted to enter the United States”, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

In a statement, Antony Blinken said, “The United States reaffirms its commitment to upholding human rights, ending impunity for human rights violators, acknowledging the suffering of victims and survivors, and promoting accountability for perpetrators in Sri Lanka”.

Also read: Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu Arrives In Delhi To Attend SCO Defence Ministers’ Meet

The human rights lawsuit comes as both the United States and India express concern about China, the island’s biggest creditor, making advances in Sri Lanka.

Last year, Sri Lanka defaulted on its external debt and saw angry protests that toppled Rajapaksa over economic mismanagement that brought acute food, fuel, and medicine shortages.

A UN panel has stated that 40,000 civilians may have been killed in the last stages of the 37-year conflict. Government officials deny abuses.

Also read: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ‘American Pie’ Stuns U.S. President Joe Biden

Spriha Rai

Recent Posts

PM Modi Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack In Mann Ki Baat; Vows Harshest Response

PM Modi reaffirmed that justice would be served and emphasised national unity in the fight…

16 mins ago

Eze and Sarr Fire Crystal Palace Into First FA Cup Final in Nine Years

Crystal Palace stormed into their first FA Cup Final in nearly a decade with an…

1 hour ago

Adani Group Powers Ahead With Ganga Expressway Project

The Adani Group is working tirelessly to bring to life the Ganga Expressway, set to…

1 hour ago

South Korean Firms Face Strategic Uncertainty Amid Trump’s Shifting Trade Policies

US President Donald Trump has unleashed a wave of executive orders and tariffs designed to…

2 hours ago

Major Blaze Erupts At Enforcement Directorate Office In South Mumbai

A major fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday at the Enforcement Directorate…

3 hours ago

How To Get Rid Of A Double Chin

A double chin can affect anyone, regardless of age or body type. Fortunately, there are…

4 hours ago