The UK government’s decision to impose sanctions on four Sri Lankan individuals, including three former military commanders, has ignited significant debate. This move comes at a time when large-scale violence continues unchecked in other parts of the world, raising concerns about the application of different standards to different countries. As a non-partisan civil society organization, the National Peace Council (NPC) asserts that the pursuit of truth and accountability must be universal and free from political motivations. Justice cannot be applied selectively. It is needed as much in Mullivaikkal and Batalanda where the violations took place 16 to 37 years ago, as it is in Palestine and Ukraine where they are taking place today.