Sri Lanka, Feb. 23 -- SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has responded after planned speaking engagements at the Oxford Union and Cambridge Union were cancelled following backlash from Tamil student groups and campaigners.

In a statement shared on social media, Rajapaksa expressed disappointment that organised pressure prevented the debates from taking place.

" 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 engage with opposing perspectives before an informed and critical audience. It was precisely this spirit of ope...