A lecture scheduled to be attended by Sri Lankan Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has been cancelled following strong protests from Tamil student organisations and activists in the United Kingdom.
In a statement issued by the MP, he said that he had accepted the invitation unconditionally. However, due to pressure created by organised groups, the organisers were compelled to cancel the lecture and discussion sessions.
In his statement, Rajapaksa noted that engaging through dialogue is more important than silencing speakers through intimidation. He emphasised that arguments should be met with counter-arguments, not disruption, and that meaningful exchange is essential in a democratic society.
While expressing regret over the cancellation, he extended his gratitude to both unions for the invitation and said he understood the difficult circumstances they faced. He also expressed hope that in the future there would be an opportunity to meet in a forum that encourages open and constructive dialogue.
In the full statement, Rajapaksa highlighted that the traditions of the Oxford Union and the Cambridge Union have long represented the highest ideals of free inquiry, open debate, and intellectual courage.
He stated that speakers invited to these historic forums are expected to face challenging questions before a critical and intelligent audience, defend their views, and engage with opposing perspectives. He said he had looked forward to participating in that spirit and had accepted the invitation out of respect for those principles.
Rajapaksa further stressed that meaningful reconciliation and progress can only emerge when differing viewpoints meet in open discussion. He reiterated his willingness to directly engage even with those who strongly oppose his views, stating that refusing such engagement does not strengthen democracy. Replacing engagement with division, he added, reflects weakness rather than strength.
He concluded by expressing hope that a future opportunity would arise to engage in a setting that promotes genuine and open dialogue.
