The Oxford Union has cancelled a planned speaking event featuring Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa, following backlash from Tamil student groups and campaigners.
The Cambridge Union had previously cancelled his scheduled appearance, citing security concerns linked to planned protests.
According to UK student newspaper Cherwell, Oxford Union President Katherine Yang said the decision was taken after concerns were raised about students’ ability to participate freely.
“A core part of the Union’s purpose is enabling direct, open questioning from students. In this case, a significant number of the students most closely connected to the subject matter communicated that they did not feel safe asking questions openly,” Yang was quoted as saying.
She added that while alternative formats were considered, the inability of those most affected to participate directly undermined the substance of the forum.
“An event where key stakeholders cannot engage on equal footing does not produce the kind of robust debate the Union is intended to facilitate,” she said.
Rajapaksa is currently on a visit to the United Kingdom and earlier paid homage at the London Buddhist Vihara, which is marking its 100th anniversary this year.
Diaspora advocacy group Tamil Solidarity had called on both unions to cancel Rajapaksa’s scheduled speaking engagements, arguing that providing him a platform amounted to political rehabilitation. The organisation also warned of protests if the events proceeded.
Tamil Solidarity, established in 2009, campaigns on issues related to alleged war crimes, accountability and the rights of Tamil-speaking people.
(Source:Newswire)
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