Sri Lanka registers strong protest with Canada over Justin Trudeau’s remarks

19 May 2023 09:21 pm - 54 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Foreign Ministry summoned Canadian High Commissioner in Colombo Eric Walsh and registered Sri Lanka’s strong protest over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s remarks on May 18 recognizing what he called a ‘Tamil genocide week’.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry told Daily Mirror that the envoy was summoned this morning. “We registered our strong protest with him,” he said.

Canada’s Ontario has declared the week between May 11 and 18, the day ending the civil war in sri Lanka, as the Tamil genocide week. When Sri Lanka was on the eve of its victory day celebration, the Canadian leader in his statement said, “Today, we reflect on the tragic loss of life during the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, which ended 14 years ago. Tens of thousands of Tamils lost their lives, including at the massacre in Mullivaikal, with many more missing, injured or displaced. Our thoughts are with the victims, survivors and their loved ones, who continue to live with the pain caused by this senseless violence,"

"The stories of Tamil-Canadians affected by the conflict - including many I have met over the years in communities across the country - serve as an enduring reminder that human rights, peace and democracy cannot be taken for granted. That's why Parliament last year unanimously adopted the motion to make May 18 'Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day'. Canada will not stop advocating for the rights of the victims and survivors of this conflict, as well as for all in Sri Lanka who continue to face hardship,” the Canadian Premier had stated. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 54

Tissa Fernando Friday, 19 May 2023 09:45 PM

Ending the war is considered as something undesirable by these guys. After the war , people living in that area are having a normal life.

Kumara Friday, 19 May 2023 09:47 PM

Nothing further you can do. Do not wait until more western countries join Canada. Expedite you local reconciliation process. RW cannot go beyond just meeting Tamil Leaders recently on this. But talks failed last week.Actions speak lounder than words!

Ketheesh Waran Friday, 19 May 2023 09:48 PM

If murdering 45,000 innocent Tamil civilians including women and children on a single day in May 2009 is not a Genocide, what is Genocide as per Sri Lankan standards ?

Manage Friday, 19 May 2023 09:49 PM

You cannot hide the truth all the time.Now all genuine Srilankans have known this horrendous genocide against the Tamils perpetrated by mahinda military regime.

Punchi Friday, 19 May 2023 10:03 PM

I am sure Justin Trudeau is shaking in his boots in fear of the wrath of our powerful and prosperous Buddhist country and the cutting off our financial aid to Canadaand Tea and Apparel export bans we are going to impose on Canada

Esther Cohen, European Jew Friday, 19 May 2023 10:07 PM

A very bold statement from Trudeau and I don't have enough knowledge about the civil war in Sri Lanka to write a comment about this statement, although I am married to a Sri Lankan. But I certainly have knowledge about genocide, most of my family was murdered by the nazi's. And I have knowledge about reconciliation: Germany wholeheartly took responsibility and apologized for what has happened during the worldwar. Germany now is a true European member and this new generation is ready for a bright positive future.

Aram Friday, 19 May 2023 10:10 PM

What he said is right. Foreign minister was not elected one in the parliament to talk on this.

jayt Friday, 19 May 2023 10:36 PM

I did not want to bring any past history or attack on jews or anybody. But I looked fast few years and last few months and current affairs in srilanka and decide to and someone need to encourage sinhalese to respond politically and internationally to stop someone who is daily manipulating Sri Lanka on daily basis to block Sri lanka independent decisions on Tamil matters. I waited and see if this group give up pressing current government on all matters. If you look into war history, it was only British who supported Tamil in the open, but there were some people who are more sophisticated and more interested in Sri lanka war than the British. Sri lanka failed to that because fad connection Jews and Sri lanka did not looked what was happening in the western countries. If Sri lanka did see it, it could have discovered British were supporting Tamil on the surface, but jews were smuggling Tamil into all over US, Canada and Europe and accomandaded them And next

Academic , USA Friday, 19 May 2023 10:58 PM

Canadian Prime Minister spoke about what happened to the Tamils in 2009. But the unspoken psychology of Canada’s action of condemning Sri Lankan government is the culmination of events that targeted the Tamils since the independence, which includes 1958 anti Tamil riots , 1977 anti Tamil attacks, 1983 large scale massacres and torching down of Tamil houses, Sri Lankan Army killing of Tamils in the North and East, and finally Sri Lankan government enabling the Indian Army to enter North and East of Sri Lanka and rape and kill thousands of Tamil men, women, and children. LTTE was rightly considered a terror organisation, that destroyed the mainstream Tamils,by all the Western Countries. So, the West kept their mouth shut. But now the LTTE is gone,the West has thrown all its weight in supporting the Tamils. IF THE SINHALESE TOUCH THE TAMILS AGAIN or IF THE INDIAN ARMY GO AGAIN TO JAFFNA, THE WESTERN COUNTRIES LIKE USA AND CANADA WOULD IMMEDIATELY RESPOND MILITARILY TO PROTECT THE TAMILS.

jayt Friday, 19 May 2023 11:04 PM

And at the mean time who influenced western politician not give sinhalese imgrante status during war period, starting from president Jayvardene until recent. Sinhalese were allowed to apply only about last 15 years. It also Don by jews to help Tamil carry out successful propaganda in public western countries. I saw how British did, but British never did to this scale espopionage like jews do. What was simple for jews is just stay away if Sri lanka do not want jews or Israeli connection. It was that simple. Jews didn't have to do provocative espionage or attack sinhalese identity or threaten sinhalese identity or deliver dail malicious defamatories to put down sinhalese pride. What is the problem here? There is non done by sinhalese take away anything from jews. So why jews are repeatedly on daily basis against sinhalese.? I checked with evidence all white men and women who have been supporting Tamil based western countries are one group who orchestrated wars around globe

Asanka Jayasuriya Saturday, 20 May 2023 02:33 PM

When and why did they release you from the mental institution?

jayt Friday, 19 May 2023 11:34 PM

Not only canada but all western countries have gone to wars and raped more than hundreds of countries under pretext of human rights in the last 70 years. All these wars belong to British colonies. Canada nor other western countries did not give chance for other countries to enjoy freedom from British colony and for a 10 years. Canada always were with British and American. British left every country by creating atmosphere for wars to come back. British did not leave Hindus and Muslim to live in peace even one minute. In other countries, including India, British went back with American and Canada always were partners of British-American wars They always says we go for wars to protect women or children. Here how they protected women and children: they killed one million women and saved 100 hundred women. They killed one million children and protected one hundred children. Example: india, Pakistan, Afghanistan , Africa, eastern Europe and current Russia Ukraine. Worst Example:

Mayan Friday, 19 May 2023 11:38 PM

Well done

Canadian Citizen Friday, 19 May 2023 11:49 PM

He's preparing for the next election and Candian Tamil votes are crucial for his victory.

Mohamed Ifaz Inamdeen Saturday, 20 May 2023 01:02 AM

These people are begging around the world. They can't repay the loans. And now they're trying to point finger against a world-leading country and its super leader. Absolute travesty.

Matin Saturday, 20 May 2023 01:38 AM

What a situation! The Canadian PM was speaking for the Sri Lankans and Sri Lankan government was not happy. The Protest will not help at all as it will eventually lead to a dead-end situation whereby the people in the North and East may have to vote on self-determination.

Nalaka Buddhadasa Saturday, 20 May 2023 02:07 AM

What’s the point of protesting by the government of Sri Lanka when Canadian PM Justin is proving his morale values and worth to the rest of the world ! This shows how low low down the quality of statements at present !

Ignatius Rasiah Saturday, 20 May 2023 05:41 AM

This is politics. He is playing to the Tamil base in Canada. Votes count. They are more than the Sinhala base. Ignore.

Jude Saturday, 20 May 2023 06:24 AM

Canada needs people, big time, and they welcome over 465,000 immigrants and refugees this year. Now when Tamil refugees seek asylum and subsequently when they get travel documents first visit they're gonna make is back to SRI LANKA and that is contrary to 1951UN refugees convention and 1967 UN refugees protocols. REFUGEES CAN'T GO BACK TO THEIR HOME COUNTRY BECAUSE IN THE FIRST PLACE THEY CLAIM REFUGEE STATUS BECAUSE THEY CAN'T LIVE THERE AND SUBJECT TO HARASSMENT. NOW Canadian government knows exactly where the refugees going and you CANNOT travel to the country that you're a citizen of the country of claimed persecution. How come the Tamils are going back to SRI LANKA, because 99% of them bogus and economic REFUGEES But Canada needs people, so the 1951 Refugees conversation and 1967 refugees protocols means squat to Canada!!

Mahila Wednesday, 24 May 2023 09:21 AM

So is the Sinhala Refugees who came over after 1988/89 JVP rebellion to various countries overseas and obtained refuge from persecution!!! They have come back to SL and quite a few enjoy Dual Citizenship too!!! Those are genuine claims!!?? Aren't they too ECONOMIC refugees too and so the 400,000 already left commencing last year after the Starvation, Shortages and “GOTAGOHOME”! Hope it isn't overlooked!!!???

kumar Saturday, 20 May 2023 06:42 AM

What else can do? Do you expect Justin Trudeau would withdraw his stand following your strong protest? One day the entire world would recognize the genocide. Until that you keep on protesting.

Udage Saturday, 20 May 2023 07:02 AM

Sri Lanka must take steps to start a process of reconciliation and relive the distress caused during the war and its final days in a manner agreeable to international standards.

Sunil Saturday, 20 May 2023 07:19 AM

Face reality Sri Lanka, however bitter it may be.

Terrence K Saturday, 20 May 2023 07:42 AM

The Canadian govt will not care two hoots! for the strong protest as they know that wind is passing from these politicians which pollutes the air which they will have to breathe. So don't hoodwink the local and international communities but take constructive steps to redress the issues that have been highlighted time and again without going round the mulberry bush safeguarding the culprits who have brought disrepute in human rights then only will all acknowledge the genuine effort taken to protect facts which are sacred.

Christo255 Saturday, 20 May 2023 08:24 AM

Why is Canada silent on Rohingya and Palestinian conflicts as well. Trudeau talks from his brain not from the heart and he's laughing at the voters gained for his re election.

Anura Nanayakkara Saturday, 20 May 2023 08:43 AM

In simple language please don't treat SRI LANKA as one of your provinces in Canada. We are a separate independent country having membership in United Nations. Just because you are under pressure from your Tamil constituents domiciled in Canada , you play politics.

Mahila Wednesday, 24 May 2023 10:05 AM

Anura N, “We are a separate independent country having membership in United Nations. You play politics.” SL which is a member of UNO, doesn’t RECOGNISE ALL PROVISIONS of UNO!! NOT POLITICS!!?? What about the Rome Statute, that RW ducked and weaved out without ratifying??? THAT’S NOT POLITICS AND PARTISAN??? IS IT NOT?? JOKERS AND CHARLATANS!!???

Cecil Hedwige Saturday, 20 May 2023 08:47 AM

Best way to protest is be silent and ignore.Let them say whatever they want to say

Krishna Saturday, 20 May 2023 09:35 AM

Unfortunately United States India and many European countries helped to finish the war and so called 'genocide' at that time.

johan Saturday, 20 May 2023 10:27 AM

Sri Lanka is only a brainwashing country not a practical country.14 Years since the war ended, it has not taken any concrete steps to bring the communities under one umbrella. Our power hungered politicians wrestle themselves to survive on peoples tax money playing various tactics like dividing the communities religiously, language wise or area wise finally ended up in bankrupt.Even people voice against the politicians who bankrupted the country Govt.trying to squeeze their necks through new Anti Terrorism Bill.

Ranjith Saturday, 20 May 2023 11:18 AM

Absolutely great to hear that there is formal recognition for the sick massacre that happened under the guise of 'restoring peace'. War heroes? More like war criminals. Why would a developed country give a damn that Sri Lanka protested about something? We are so insignificant, and Ali Sabry even more so unlike what he thinks of himself to be.

Lion Saturday, 20 May 2023 11:42 AM

This is all for public consumption in reality both may have enjoyed a cup of tea and had a cordial chit chat.

Mahalingham Saturday, 20 May 2023 12:11 PM

Is anything factually incorrect about the Canadian PM's remarks-If so say what is incorrect. All SL has been doing for the past 14 years is hiding behind a non existing "local reconciliation process"

Francis Kurukulasuriya Saturday, 20 May 2023 12:32 PM

Mr, Justin Trudeau, the Hon. Prime Minister of Canada, is trying to secure the votes of Tamils in Canada. That's his politics. He and other members of the Canadian Parliament must try to hear the true stories from the other side, not only Tamils. Otherwise Canada will have to stop advocating for the rights of the Tamils in Canada.

Sammy Saturday, 20 May 2023 12:40 PM

Canada is a haven for separatists from around the world. Trudeau depends on their votes and has to appease them.

Mandayan Saturday, 20 May 2023 01:20 PM

Not only Canada PM but also Canada opposition leader, UK opposition leader and two US Congress men raised voices in support. This will go up. We can’t still keep our head in the sand.

Helanka Saturday, 20 May 2023 01:38 PM

Whoever is reading this- You may be a Tamil, Sinhalese, any other Sri Lankan, just remember we all went through crap here TOGETHER, we participated in Arayagala TOGETHER, went through COVID 19 TOGETHER, went through economic disaster TOGETHER, helped each other along the way however we can. For Ramadan we celebrated breakfast together, for vesak you participated in giving out charity to the needy and dansala with us...I experienced all these as a Sinhalese, with my Tamil, Muslim and Malay friends. This is who we are as Sri Lankans, everything else is made by politicians for their advantages - they are the lowest class of workers and leaders - Canadian politicians are no different. Lets continue our future together and look after our future, homes and relationships.

Right thing to do Saturday, 20 May 2023 01:46 PM

He can make a permanent solution to this global Tamil situation. India is not allowing the vast number of Tamils there a place of their own so Mr Trudeau why not give them a part of your vast land you grabbed from Aboriginals for a Tamil Homeland . And also don't be shocked one day when Tamils themselves will claim Canada as their homeland!

DOT Saturday, 20 May 2023 01:59 PM

Still Justine is looking for some cheap labor.

folly Saturday, 20 May 2023 02:11 PM

Every week Sri Lanka creates some story to amuse the world and this week's pick ..... Tuedue and his comment"" as a begger nation why do u protest???? U beg from all over the world .... Pls try to maintain your remaining dignity

Punchi Saturday, 20 May 2023 03:05 PM

First Canada now US. We need the help of our friends China to arm us like the did before to defeat the LTTE to take on US, Canada and NATO —- On the 14th anniversary of the Mullivaikkal genocide, US Congressman, Wiley Nickel, has released a statement acknowledging the Tamil genocide and reaffirming his commitment to stand by the Tamils in their fight for justice. In his statement, he noted that he was the first elected official in the United States to publicly acknowledge the Tamil genocide. He also noted that he co-sponsored a resolution calling for a referendum for Eelam Tamils to be “democratically and equitably represented” as well as a “lasting peaceful political solution”. In his statement, he maintained: “The Tamil people deserve a future in which they can live in peace, a future where their rights are respected, and a future where their voices are meaningfully heard through a democratic process”.

chinthaka perera Saturday, 20 May 2023 04:19 PM

Canadian PM is a politician and he is busy with colleting votes for next election like our own politicians. Since there is insignificant Palestine vote base he dosent care the sufferings of Palestine people.

chinthaka perera Saturday, 20 May 2023 04:19 PM

Canadian PM is a politician and he is busy with colleting votes for next election like our own politicians. Since there is insignificant Palestine vote base he dosent care the sufferings of Palestine people.

Mahila Wednesday, 24 May 2023 09:56 AM

Why bring Palestine into this??? Next the Canadians would complain to the UN, SL is killing all sea mammals - Dolphins, Whales and Sharks - eating them due to Starvation in the Southern Province!! Courting Trouble!!??

Tupac Saturday, 20 May 2023 04:36 PM

We can't hide genocide by rajapkshe gov We will never forget that's why Srilanka is bankrupt in every other way

Dilip Saturday, 20 May 2023 05:19 PM

Don't mess with Canada. Over 14 years and still no justice.

Siromi Panditharatne Saturday, 20 May 2023 05:22 PM

It is very easy to forget all the innocent Sinhalese, Muslims and Tamil people who were massacred by the Tigers. Anyone who lived in Sri Lanka during those 30 years of war will agree that everyone lived in fear of their lives everyday. No family travelled together in case they were killed. This is not in the north or east but in every town in Sri Lanka!! So please don’t instigate another war in Sri Lanka! Shame on you Mr Traudeau for your ignorance and for so blatantly trying to create further division in an already unstable country!!!

S.Siva Monday, 22 May 2023 12:26 AM

Justin is still young but is the senior most leader in the G7 group of nations which is the most powerful world body today. Following him US congressmen have moved a motion in the Senate recognising the creation of a Separate State for Tamils in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has had a murderers past against its youth. First the Sinhala youth where it was taken to the UN human rights Council but betrayed by the Sinhala politicians who represented them when it was the Tamils turn the behaviour of the Sri Lankan state was much more severe. But the Tamils were persistant and have gained support internationally. What Sabry is doing is a very foolish job. Instead he should keep his mouth shut and induce his leadership to be fair and apologise for its mistakes to the Sinhala youth first and then the Tamil youth next. Disband the Armed forces and cancel their victory parades. Sri Lanka does not need more soldiers than most G7 countries and to beg around the world to feed the Idle Soldiers and parades

Canada have declared on this Monday, 22 May 2023 06:02 AM

GoSL is delusional if they think Canada will ever relent, but instead Canada will even go harder about this. They will soon be speaking to other Western nations about the unfairness to Northern and Eastern Tamil. However, more than them, it is the upcountry Tamils who have always been worse off. That matter is totally forgotten by the Canadian and other fools, since they're politicians only cater to EALAM/LTTE supporters. We have to accept Canada has declared war on us, and that they might be eventual sanctions on us, but get along instead with more worthy allies.

Chandima Monday, 22 May 2023 07:55 AM

Indigenous children in many parts of Canada were forced to attend residential schools, often far from their communities. Most were operated by churches, and all of them banned the use of Indigenous languages and Indigenous cultural practices, often through violence. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified 1,953 children, 477 where additional investigation is required and an additional 1,242 students who have known to have died but their names are not yet known. These are kids went to schools in Canada Trudo. What ab other man and women

Mahila Wednesday, 24 May 2023 09:48 AM

Chandima, What's the use of this CHANTING, like a sermon at the Buddhist Pirith ceremony, “listened to intently and piously? Then forgotten about it soon after??? Emancipated Charlatans!!! What have our emancipated lot done or contributed to the Indigenous citizens in SL – Veddha Community - that is so commendable than what the Canadians have done?? BS!! All the way as usual Sri Lankan style!!! Lankans are good at opening their mouth for all others to discern, that they are GREAT FOOLS!??

GIA LANKA Tuesday, 23 May 2023 12:33 AM

WHO THE HELL IS SRI LANKAT (LANKA) AS A COUNTRY. COMPARED TO CANADA A 1ST WORLD G7 COUNTRY.CANADA MUST INVADE THE SHIT HOLE BANANA REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKAT

Mahila Wednesday, 24 May 2023 11:17 AM

GIA Lanka, Are you still REMNISCING of the Glory Halcyon days of Zheng He and Ming Dynasty along with the Copper Plates (in Tamil, Persian and Chinese only 1400CE) unearthed in Southern Sri Lanka!!! Whom do you think this time around, the Canadians would take to Ottawa, Canada and to the "COURT OF JUSTIN TRUDEAU” to dispense Justice?? And clasped in chains to boot too!!!??? The PLAQUE IN SOLO FRENCH!!!??? Perhaps, they may include below Sinhalese (Now has a dialect and widely used), Tamil and English - Don't forget all-important Link Language!!!?? Otherwise, RW wouldn’t understand!? Most importantly, Medamulana, Weeraketiya should be the PLAQUE site to be meaningful, and not Devinuwara as was the case with the Zheng He Plaque!!?? This Plaque ‘Medamulana Plaque”, if MaRa doesn’t “find it APPEALING, then TRUDEAU PLAQUE”!!?? WHY NOT???

Sangaralingham Wednesday, 24 May 2023 04:47 AM

Talk is cheap.honest reliable responsible politicians across SriLanka must act to improve the status of the country for future citizens.most responsible in all sides has departed this universe not far rest to follow.young men women need to follow doctrine of social harmony moral high acrosthe land

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Sri Lanka registers strong protest with Canada over Justin Trudeau’s remarks

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