Wasantha’s ban Julie Chung informs Sabry in advance

SL rejects US decision to designate Karannagoda  

• As a result of today’s action, Karannagoda and his wife, Srimathi Ashoka  Karannagoda, are ineligible for entry into the United States

By Kelum Bandara  

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said U.S. Ambassador Julie J. Chung met him and communicated to him in advance the designation of wartime Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda.   

Mr. Sabry said he expressed Sri Lanka’s concerns in this regard during that meeting.   “She met me in advance and informed me of the decision. I expressed Sri Lanka’s regrets,” the Minister said.  The U.S. State Department announced that it designated Wasantha Karannagoda, Governor of North Western Province in Sri Lanka, pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programmes Appropriations Act, 2023, due to his involvement in a gross violation of human rights during his tenure as a Naval Commander.  “As a result of today’s action, Karannagoda and his wife, Srimathi Ashoka Karannagoda, are ineligible for entry into the United States. The allegation that Wasantha Karannagoda committed a gross human rights violation, documented by NGOs and independent investigations, is serious and credible. 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 said.  

U.S. reviews cases actively, continuously, and applies this authority globally - Embassy Spokesperson

By Kelum Bandara  

In response to a question by Daily Mirror whether there will be future designation of Sri Lankan officials, a spokesperson for the U.S. embassy in Colombo said the State Department actively and continuously reviews cases and applies this authority globally.  

The spokesperson said when the Secretary of State has credible information that a foreign government official has been involved in significant corruption and/or a gross violation of human rights, the Secretary will designate or identify that official and his or her immediate family members under Section 7031(c).  

“The United States is committed to promoting justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for human rights violations and abuses,” the spokesperson said.  

Asked about the impact of the latest designation on bilateral ties, the spokesman referred to the statement by Secretary of State Antony Blinken who said, “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,”