Oxford and Cambridge Cancel Speaking Engagements of Namal Rajapaksa Amid Protests
25-Feb-2026.
An official invitation had been extended to Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa to address the prestigious student unions of the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
However, while he was in Britain to attend the scheduled events, permission for him to speak was revoked.
Expressing concern over the decision taken by the two university unions, MP Namal Rajapaksa stated that when pressure from certain groups obstructs open debate and dialogue, it does not serve the cause of democracy.
The invitation extended to Rajapaksa, who is also the National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), to speak at Cambridge University was reportedly cancelled following strong opposition from sections of the Tamil diaspora.
UK-based Tamil organizations voiced strong objections to his participation. In a joint statement, British Tamil student associations and the British Tamil Youth Organization called for the immediate cancellation of the opportunity granted to him.
Amid this backdrop, MP Namal Rajapaksa, accompanied by his wife, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, and party members, travelled to London on February 21.
During the visit, Rajapaksa visited the historic London Buddhist Vihara, which is over 100 years old, engaged in religious observances, and received blessings. He also visited the Kingsbury Vihara in London, participated in religious activities, and signed the commemorative book.
Initially, it was stated that Rajapaksa would address the Oxford Union. However, following mounting opposition and pressure, permission for him to speak at the Oxford student body was cancelled.
Oxford Union President Catherine Young stated that the Union’s objective is to provide a platform for direct and open questioning by students. She noted that students affected by the issue felt they would not be able to raise questions safely and directly. As an equal and balanced discussion could not be ensured, the decision was taken not to proceed with the event.
Similarly, the Cambridge student body stated that under the present circumstances, it did not believe that a balanced and open debate on the matter could be conducted, and therefore its committee had taken the decision.
In response, Rajapaksa expressed concern via his official website, stating that it was troubling that organized pressure groups had led Oxford and Cambridge student bodies to cancel a previously scheduled address. He emphasized that cancelling such opportunities does not strengthen democracy.
Universities, he said, should serve as spaces for robust and transparent debate rather than intimidation, and dialogue is preferable to threats in the exchange of ideas. He expressed hope that future opportunities would arise to engage students on issues of mutual interest.
