Oxford Union cancels Sri Lanka President's address due to security concerns

The Oxford Union which invited the Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa to address their members has cancelled President's speech scheduled for December 2nd due to security concerns, the Union said in a hurriedly issued press release.

"Due to security concerns surrounding Mr. Rajapaksa's visit which have recently been brought to our attention by the police, the Union has regretfully found that the talk is no longer practicable and has had to cancel his address," the press release said.

The organizers said they have extensively consulted with Thames Valley Police as well as with the Sri Lankan High Commission in London on security arrangements for the President's visit.

The Union said their decision was not taken lightly and deeply regrets the cancellation.

"The Union has a long tradition of hosting prominent speakers and upholding the principles of free speech. However, due to the sheer scale of the expected protests, we do not feel that the talk can reasonably and safely go ahead as planned," the Union said.

The Union has a policy of inviting a broad range of prominent politicians and heads of state from around the world and the invitation to President Rajapaksa has been made within the context of this policy.

The Union said it holds a politically neutral stance with regards to speakers and the decision was not made in relation to any aspect of President's political position, the policies of his administration or any allegations against his government.

"As the Presi [...]