Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has spoken out after his planned debates at Oxford and Cambridge Unions were canceled amid protests from Tamil student groups and campaigners in the UK. 

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rajapaksa expressed disappointment, highlighting that these universities have historically championed free inquiry and open debate. 

He emphasised that organised pressure prevented his participation and criticized the suppression of differing views through intimidation. 

Rajapaksa underscored the importance of dialogue for reconciliation and democratic progress, expressing hope for future opportunities to engage in open discussion. 

Both unions had scheduled his speeches for February, but cancellations followed protests from Tamil organizations at UK universities.