Sri Lanka, Feb. 23 -- SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa expressed regret over the cancellation of his planned address at the Oxford Union, attributing the decision to organised pressure from external groups.

In an official statement, Rajapaksa said the Oxford and Cambridge Union have long represented the ideals of free inquiry, rigorous debate, and intellectual courage, where speakers are expected to face challenging questions and engage with opposing views. He added that he had looked forward to participating in that spirit of open dialogue.

"It is deeply unfortunate that circumstances arising from organised pressure prevented these engagements from taking place," Rajapaksa said. He emphasised that universities and debating societies should be s...