The United States and United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on Sri Lankan Brigadier Shavendra Silva, accused of war crimes including ordering killings of surrendered individuals during the Sri Lankan civil conflict. Critics, including David Lammy, accuse Silva and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa of gross human rights violations.

Silva has publicly complained about the impact of these sanctions on his family. The dispute raises questions about the balance between holding alleged war criminals accountable and the collateral effects of sanctions on their families.

The United Nations and other international bodies continue to monitor the situation and the sanctions remain in effect.