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GoSL to not clash with the US over Maj. Bulathwatta sanctions

GoSL to not clash with the US over Maj. Bulathwatta sanctions

26 Dec 2022 | BY Mirudhula Thambiah

  • Foreign Minister Sabry says SL would express its concerns, but not on individual cases
  • US sanctions on Maj. Bulathwatta in relation to Journo Keith Noyahr abduction/assault case  

In the wake of the US State Department sanctioning Maj. Prabath Bulathwatta over the violation of the human rights of journalist Keith Noyahr in May 2008, the Sri Lankan authorities stated last week that they would express their concerns regarding such, but not in individual cases. 

Speaking to The Morning, Minister of Foreign Affairs President’s Counsel M.U.M. Ali Sabry said, last week, that it is an independent process of the US State Department, and that while the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) will express concerns, it will however, not do so in individual cases.

“It is an independent process and they have their independent way of looking at it. There is very little that we can do concerning those. We will express our concerns, but not regarding individual cases. In some cases, we will continue to make representations on those. But, it is beyond our control and that is a matter for the US State Department,” he added. 

According to a statement issued on 9 December marking the International Human Rights Day, the US State Department announced that sanctions would be imposed on Bulathwatta, the former Head of a Sri Lanka Army platoon known as the Tripoli (a reference to the Army camp that was formerly at the Tripoli Road in Maradana, Colombo) Platoon.

“Pursuant to the relevant legal provisions, the Department of State is designating Bulathwatta for his involvement in a gross violation of human rights, namely the torture and/or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment of Sri Lankan Journalist, Keith Noyahr in May, 2008,” the statement noted.

Further, the State Department stated that the sanctions were imposed to promote accountability for corruption and human rights abuses around the world. These sanctions include visa and financial restrictions, and the said Sri Lankan military official is one of those around the world who face similar sanctions.




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