Travel Ban Imposed on 58 Sri Lankan Military Personnel

07-Oct-2025

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According to petitions filed against Sri Lanka, 58 military personnel have been barred from traveling to certain countries. 

Sri Lanka must never ratify the Rome Statute. If it does, military personnel will face many difficulties, stated former Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission, Professor Pradeepa Mahanamahewa.

He made these remarks while speaking at an event held in Colombo.

He further stated that the United Nations Human Rights Council is currently giving considerable attention to the situation in Palestine. Many countries, including Sri Lanka, have refrained from officially recognizing Palestine as a nation. 

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, most countries walked out, which is seen as a positive step. Countries worldwide should recognize Palestine as a sovereign nation.

No country can pass a resolution about another country at the UN Human Rights Council. Sri Lanka may one day be forced to relinquish its national sovereignty if it depends solely on foreign financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund. The nation’s sovereignty and independence are guaranteed by the constitution. 

However, the international community continues to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. Since independence, no political leader in power has agreed to international investigations.

Repeated accusations have been brought against the Sri Lankan military at the UN Human Rights Council. 

European countries have filed and implemented several petitions against Sri Lanka. 

Accordingly, 58 military personnel have been barred from traveling to certain countries. Sri Lanka must never ratify the Rome Statute, as such a move would place military personnel in serious difficulties.