Former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda and his wife have been designated by the State Department as ineligible to enter the United States of America.
The US State Department says that the allegations of serious human rights violations by Wasantha Karannagoda documented by non-governmental organizations and independent investigations are serious and credible.
The Department said yesterday (26) in the announcement that the nomination of Wasantha Karannagoda reaffirms the United States’ commitment to protecting human rights, ending impunity for human rights abusers, acknowledging the suffering of victims and survivors, and promoting accountability for perpetrators in Sri Lanka .
It states that the bilateral relationship between the United States and the Government of Sri Lanka over a 75-year history has been based on shared values and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The American government emphasizes that they committed to working with the Government of Sri Lanka to address emerging security issues, advancing justice, accountability and reconciliation, including promoting security reforms that put human rights at the forefront, as the two countries continue to build their bilateral relationship.
Mr. Wasantha Karannagoda is currently working as the Governor of North West Province.
