Oxford & Cambridge Unions cancel Namal’s address after backlash

 

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa was arrested in 2015 over corruption charges but later released. 

Both Oxford Union and Cambridge Union cancelled a scheduled addressing by MP Namal Rajapaksa, following backlash from diaspora based Tamil outfits and student groups and campaigners.

Earlier, the Cambridge Union had previously cancelled his scheduled meeting, citing security concerns linked to planned protests.

The UK based student newspaper Cherwell, the 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.

Earlier 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.  (Northeastern Monitor/ February 23/2026)