Amazon UK has pulled ex-Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda’s autobiography from sale, following a complaint that royalties would violate British sanctions laws. The decision comes amid ongoing allegations of human rights abuses during Sri Lanka’s war.
Amazon UK has removed former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda’s autobiography, The Turning Point: The Naval Role in Sri Lanka’s War on LTTE Terrorism, from its platform after a complaint by the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP).
The ITJP argued that the sale of the book violated UK sanctions law, since Karannagoda has been under British sanctions since March 24 under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020. The sanctions were imposed due to allegations of unlawful killings and human rights violations while he served as Commander of the Navy from 2005 to 2009.
UK law makes it a criminal offence to provide royalties or any financial benefits to a sanctioned individual, with punishments of up to seven years in prison. In response, Amazon’s public policy department confirmed to the ITJP in writing that the book had been removed from sale in the UK.
The book, published by Penguin Random House India, is no longer available on Amazon’s UK branch, though it was previously marketed as part of the global English-language catalogue.
The case underscores how sanctions are being enforced beyond direct financial dealings, extending to publishing royalties and intellectual property. It also highlights the growing international scrutiny over Sri Lankan military figures accused of wartime abuses.
