US sanctions Ex-Navy chief over violation of human rights as SL denounces decision 

North Western Province, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda 

• US has barred Karannagoda and his wife, who were suspects in infamous Navy abduction case, from entering US
• US Secretary of State says allegations against against Ex-Navy chief for human rights violations are serious and credible
• US says it is committed to working with SL Govt. on advancing justice, accountability, and reconciliation
• SL Govt. in response says it regrets decision taken by US and claims it is counterproductive

The United States has barred the entry of the Governor of the North Western Province, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda and his wife into the country over alleged human rights violations committed by him during his time as Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy. Karanngoda was one of the accused in the infamous Navy abductions racket case where 11 men were allegedly abducted for ransom and forcefully disappeared by a rogue group of Navy personnel between 2008 - 2009. 

Issuing a statement, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that “the allegation that Wasantha Karannagoda committed a gross human rights violation, documented by NGOs and independent investigations, is serious and credible”. Accordingly, Karannagoda nor his wife Srimathi Ashoka Karannagoda, will be allowed to visit the US. 

“By designating Wasantha Karannagoda, 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,” the statement read. 

“The bilateral relationship between the United States and the Government of Sri Lanka is based on 75 years of shared history, values, and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.  As we continue to build our bilateral relationship, we are committed to working with the Sri Lankan Government on advancing justice, accountability, and reconciliation, including promoting security reform that maintains human rights at the forefront while ensuring Sri Lanka has the resources and training to properly address emerging security concerns,” it added. 

However, responding to the move the Sri Lanka Government said it regrets the decision by the U.S. to designate Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda. Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry is said to have expressed Sri Lanka’s grave concerns associated with this decision to U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung yesterday. 

“As a longstanding bilateral partner of Sri Lanka, such unilateral action by the U.S. without following due process is counter-productive to the holistic approach that Sri Lanka has taken on addressing national unity and reconciliation. It is also unfortunate that the announcement emanates against the backdrop of the tangible progress made by the Government in strengthening the country’s democratic governance and reconciliation structures. Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka will continue in its ongoing efforts to achieve reconciliation, economic recovery and socio-economic development,” a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read.