The Oxford Union has cancelled a planned speaking engagement featuring Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa, following objections from Tamil student groups and campaigners.
The decision comes after the Cambridge Union also cancelled Rajapaksa’s scheduled appearance earlier, citing security concerns linked to planned protests.
According to Cherwell, Oxford Union President Katherine Yang said the cancellation was based on concerns over students’ ability to participate freely in the event.
“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 explored, the inability of those most affected to engage 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 visiting 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 urged both unions to cancel the engagements, arguing that offering Rajapaksa a platform amounted to political rehabilitation. The group also warned of protests if the events went ahead.
Tamil Solidarity, founded in 2009, campaigns on issues including alleged war crimes, accountability, and the rights of Tamil-speaking communities.
