Sri Lanka, Feb. 23 -- Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa has responded to the cancellation of his planned speaking engagements at the Oxford Union and Cambridge Union, following backlash from Tamil student groups and campaigners in the United Kingdom.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rajapaksa said he had looked forward to participating in the debates, highlighting that the Oxford and Cambridge Unions "have, for generations, represented the highest ideals of free inquiry, rigorous debate, and intellectual courage."

He added that speakers are expected to face challenging questions, defend their views, and engage with opposing perspectives before an informed audience.

"It is therefore deeply unfortu...