Organised pressure prevented Oxford & Cambridge talks – Namal

2026-02-23 - 10:37

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP – Namal Rajapaksa has said that it is “deeply unfortunate that circumstances arising from organised pressure” had scheduled talks at the Oxford Union and Cambridge Union. On a X post, he has said “I would have welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with critics, including those who strongly oppose my views, because meaningful reconciliation and progress can only emerge when differing perspectives meet in open conversation. Denying such engagement does not strengthen democracy. It weakens it by replacing debate with division.” “I remain grateful to both Unions for their invitation and understand the difficult position in which they found themselves. I hope that in the future we will have the opportunity to meet in a forum where dialogue prevails and discussion is encouraged,” he added. The traditions of the Oxford Union and the Cambridge Union have, for generations, represented the highest ideals of free inquiry, rigorous debate, and intellectual courage. Speakers invited to these historic forums are expected to face difficult questions, defend their views, and... — Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) February 23, 2026 Related News : Namal’s Oxford Union address also cancelled