Why is Ali Sabry dragging Sri Lanka in the Indo-Canada conflict?

27 September 2023 10:25 am - 68 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankan politicians are a surprising lot. At the height of the political crisis when the local economy collapsed and the country ran out of money, all political leaders appealed to the international community for help. And in goodwill many countries stepped forward to assist the nation, some with their own interests while others came forward in friendship.

While President Ranil Wickremesinghe to date maintains that the nation will maintain good relations with all countries and will take no sides, in an unexpected move it was surprising to see Foreign Minister Ali Sabry making a statement to the international media yesterday on the recently brewed Indo-Canada conflict which has no relevance to Sri Lanka whatsoever.

A statement which seems to have been made more in anger than being Sri Lanka's official view, Sabry launched a scathing attack on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his allegations against India, which Sri Lanka has no relevance to.

Sabry said that some of the terrorists have found safe haven in Canada. "The Canadian PM has this way of just coming out with some outrageous allegations without any supporting proof. The same thing they did for Sri Lanka, a terrible, total lie about saying that Sri Lanka had a genocide. Everybody knows there was no genocide in our country. I saw yesterday he had gone and given a rousing welcome to somebody who has associated with the Nazis in the past during the Second World War. So this is questionable and we have dealt with it in the past. I am not surprised that sometimes PM Trudeau comes out with outrageous and substantiated allegations," he said.

It is acceptable to see Sabry take on Trudeau when it comes to local affairs but what seems to be unwanted at this moment of time is to see Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister interfering in a conflict between India and Canada and further dampen relations over a matter which has no relevance to the nation.

It is also now to be seen if President Wickremesinghe also maintains the same view as Sabry considering that his Foreign Minister openly made this statement on a conflict which does not involve the state, or if he will get Sabry to straighten it by saying that Sri Lanka will not take sides with either India or Canada.

After all Sri Lanka has its own battles to cope with presently and can definitely do without interfering in conflicts which do not concern the government or the nation.

***SL has its own battles to cope with and can definitely do without interfering in conflicts which do not concern the government or the nation

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Comments - 68

Maheepala Wednesday, 27 September 2023 10:41 AM

Ali Sabri is not fit to be even a MP, as he has proven that he is mentally ill

Anwar Hussain Wednesday, 27 September 2023 10:04 PM

Remember that India was the first and only country to help SL out of the rotten economic mess. Our colonial slaves still want to suck up to Justin ..

Begging Hitler Wednesday, 27 September 2023 10:46 AM

Ali Sabri! Remember! Sri Lanka is benefiting so much from Canada. Those Sri Lankans in Canada are sending millions of dollars from there. Once our begging bowls wear out, we have to beg from foreign countries to buy new ones. If Canada wants to take revenge on Sri Lanka, we will have to pay a heavy price. Mind it. Be diplomatic.

Mohommed Wednesday, 27 September 2023 10:57 AM

This Govt. have no more answers to present economic and social problems, trying to side with parties who created safe havens for LTTE separatist terrorism. Tit for tat for Treadue's allegations regarding genocide that won't do any good for local people.

Anwar Hussain Wednesday, 27 September 2023 10:07 PM

When the West was screwing us at Geneva..It was our neighbor India that was backing us. Please be sincere and logical when you are faced with a ASEAN problem.

Rohan Wednesday, 27 September 2023 10:58 AM

An intelligent Sri Lanka wouldn’t have openly taken sides in this Canada Indian confrontation. We should privately enjoy the fact, that for the first time since India got independence it is being accused as killers by a Western country.

Wali Sabry Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:03 AM

Neighborhood first policy! When Anna starts a fight, Thambi gives a supporting hand. On the other hand, Canadian PM seems to be behaving like a South Asian politician where he makes unsubstantiated statements and then his country acknowledes that they don't have evidence.

Kumara Ilangasinghe Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:06 AM

Contract by the Pohottuwa to undermine RW or trying to appease India?

Trehan Munasinghe Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:08 AM

Didn't you already know that Sri Lanka is a vassal state of India, so we will always toe the line in Geo Politics with regards to India and even China... Non Aligned or not, what really has Canada done for us?, with the exception of calling this country a place where 'Tamil Genocide' was committed, obviously done to garner favour and votes from the diaspora living there. Canadian PM is a cheap politician, no different to the ones here in Asia. He made a grave mistake in taking on India, Sri Lanka on the other hand doesn't have a spine to retort and expell diplomats for insulting this country, regarding the Genocide comments, which we should have done, if we are such a proud nation, unfortunately that isn't the reality at present. Let me ask you this, would Canada ever call out the Government of Israel? No! This is the double standard Western Hypocrisy that is often seen and experienced.

Adwani Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:12 AM

Ali Sabry's statement is totally misunderstood in the media, it is not a matter of taking sides. Canada already made some allegations towards SL on genocide and that Canada should avoid dirty politics at the cost of asylum seekers who bribe various Canadian officials of Asian origin.

Sri Lankan in Canada Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:18 AM

This man does not know to mind his own business. He is trying to equalise Sri Lanka with Canada and India. Sri Lanka is sinking. He is picking up a fight. He should be kicked out.

ravin Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:20 AM

This is what is called diversion tactic. Do not worry we know your son's episode well and truly. Now the foreign ministry official have to spent more and more time to clean your dirty linen. We also know how to end family dynasty.

Hello Hello Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:20 AM

Because he wants to play monkey game. He took his son to the UN so that his son could get a job in the UN. A guy with monkey brain.

MK Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:21 AM

that is because Canada has been following the same stupid policy with Sri Lanka too without minding their own business. India is an emerging superpower and it makes more sense for us to align with India than Canada.

Tuwan Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:22 AM

What else... money money, pachcha kallan

saman Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:28 AM

There is nothing called free lunch.

noname Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:33 AM

Sri Lanka has nothing to lose in calling out Canadian PM's hypocrisy.

BBM Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:40 AM

Sabri talking on be half of pohottu politics and bring back digraced politicians to grace by attacking Canadian PM and get something more from India. What is Ranil's view is a point to ponder.

Citizen2023 Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:47 AM

Ali Sabry has no business to comment on India-Canada conflict, especially when Ranil has assured that Sri Lanka wants to maintain good relations with all countries. Ali should be removed his present portfolio n replaced with someone who knows not to make such remarks n works for good relations with other country heads.

Mark Anandappa Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:48 AM

Well - HE AS FORGOTTEN HOW INDIA trained

Bobby Pereira Wednesday, 27 September 2023 11:59 AM

Canada has been bullying Sri Lanka too for a long time because we are a weak small nation. They thought they could bully India too. WRONG. Good India is standing firm. All these so called developed democratic countries like US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand etc invaded the countries, killed the natives and acquired the natural resources of the countries. On top the US used the African slaves too. Now they lecture us on democracy and human rights etc. Have they admitted their past atrocities? Bravo Mr Sabry. We approve everything you do.

Kelum Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:00 PM

Sabri wants to deflect the attention away from his recent nepotism by involving all of us in somebody else's strife.

Sanath Ranjan Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:06 PM

All one can say is "FOOLS RUSH IN WHERE ANGLES DARE TO TREAD". This guy has a problem with Canada due to its open arm welcome to certain Tamil refugees. He is therefore taking on Trudeau in regard to the India/ Canada "misunderstanding". What Sabry fails to see is that this tit for tat issue between these two countries will be sorted out soon- if so where will these two pin foreign minister stand?

joshua Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:07 PM

He is dragging SL into it since his son would have told him to do it!

Mohan Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:18 PM

Now, with the India Canada conflict, we don't know the facts and should not take a side on what we believe is true. So, I think Ali Sabry made a mistake of commenting in support of India.

JOE PATHI Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:21 PM

Ali Sabry IS A CLOWN HE DOES KNOW WHAT HE IS SPEAKING HE IS NEW TO POLITICS

Kirushanthan Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:24 PM

He is such a fool. I never seen a such a foolish comment. He is not capable to be a foreign affairs minister not be a MP National list MP. I really do not understand what the hell he is talking. When we are economically not stable. This will surely affect it.

Shame Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:25 PM

Your fellows only destroyed BAMIYAN BUDDHA STATUE which shocked the world.

Kps Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:29 PM

He is guilty of his of Son's non legitimate participation over United Nation assembly

Chris Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:29 PM

Sri Lanka survived the stupidity of previous GR rule purely thanks to India. If Sri Lankans already forgetting this then all I can say is good luck to us. It is the right thing that out Foreign minister shared his opinion regarding another stupid ruler from a developed country.

Dan Williams Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:38 PM

This guy talks in anger, I think not because of anything else but because Canada banned this guy's best friends MR and GR entering into Canada. He is saying countries should not interfere with affairs of other countries and same time he criticizes Canada... I can't even imagine in widest dreams, that this guy has any brain. Any stupid can understand with all the issues Sri Lanka has,Sri Lanka should remain in neutral. This will give Sri Lanka a bad reputation and Canada and India will sort out their differences soon. You can say whatever you want when you talk to your friend, family etc.. But this guy should understand, he has damaged the reputation of 22 million people and Sri Lanka as well.. This guy has to learn so much and at least learn how to be a foreign minister. Educated foreign ministers never coitizes another country. They practice diplomacy "fools rush in where angels fear to tread"

mnmart Wednesday, 27 September 2023 12:53 PM

His head and the mouth doesn't connect

D S de Silva Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:00 PM

A scumbag and an Educated fool!

N V Jen Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:09 PM

He was gifted with MP post because he defended Gota and is not fit to be in the parliament, yet alone be the foreign minister. Instead of treading carefully, he opens his mouth thinking that he is pulling a fast one on India's behalf, but ended up exposing his intellectual capacity.

Ahamed Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:14 PM

He is loyal to GR and MR, and absolutely backs GR.

N K Ekanayaka Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:15 PM

Because CANADA IS definitely A SAFE NEST/HAVEN FOR TERRORISTS ! NAZI, LTTE, KHALISTANI's etc and North India has been our brother.

cineha Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:16 PM

Its a simple tactics by him to distract the media attention from his son participating in the official delegation in Washington. Looks like this poly has worked. Now the media is barking on this statement and everything else is forgotten so fast.

Mandayan Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:27 PM

He was brought in by Gota and the Rajapakses and rewarded for representing in courts. He is not happy with Canada black listing both brothers and he is confused as a lawyer forgetting he is the FM of the nation.

Mandayan Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:35 PM

If you send a lawyer in black suit who appears for the like of Gota to the UN what can you expect as a FM? After all he refuse to take up ministry of Finance when country was in economical disaster. He is the nation’s top diplomat but like other Gota’s selections he is a loser too, big time!! Or is he angry in Gota’s treatment of Muslim corpses during covid which he said made him cried.

ANURA NANAYAKKARA Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:37 PM

ALI SABRY IS A VERY SMART LAWYER AND KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT. CANADIAN PREMIER IS PLAYING POLITICS WITH INDIA AS THERE ARE LOT OF INDIANS LIVING IN CANADA , SPECIALLY SIEKHS WHO ARE AGITATING FOR A SEPARATE STATE WITHIN INDIA.

DW Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:45 PM

"......all political leaders appealed to the international community for help...." Yes, but public demanded Rajapakses to return stolen money.

Maqs Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:50 PM

What else can you expect from a "PISSEK"? As per another comment, rightly so, his son would have advised him to make those foolish remarks

N.M. Perera Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:55 PM

Canada harbored and nurtured the LTTE and celebrated when innocent Sri Lankan Civilians were killed in cold blood.

Javad nufer Wednesday, 27 September 2023 01:55 PM

Because this imbecile is a moron. Maybe he is going to seek asylum in India after the next election. If he stays in Sri Lanka he will be slaughtered by the people for crimes he committed against humanity

KD Wednesday, 27 September 2023 02:02 PM

Because Canada has also accused Sri Lanka of the same kind of outrageous things. Canada is living in some kind of idealist bubble. Time they woke up.

roni Wednesday, 27 September 2023 02:22 PM

The position he is holding is far too much for his limited capacity. This guy got a post under Gota for the purpose of saying thanks. It is like giving a Monkey a Garland. Empty vessels may the biggest noise.

Uali Wednesday, 27 September 2023 03:06 PM

We thought Sabri is not belong to the category of politicians like kuttiarachi or wimalaweera ,but now he proved he too the same

Abd Wednesday, 27 September 2023 03:21 PM

Sabri was badly criticized for including his son ,who is not a legible representative in UN team, other than father is FM, irritated Sabri the senior, found Trudeau as sacrificial lamb to cover his annoyance

Maithiri Wednesday, 27 September 2023 03:44 PM

This fool should know that Canada is the home of the largest Sri Lankan diaspora and imports lots of goods from Sri Lanka and sends in billions of dollars annually and if Canada bans that, then the country will be affected economically. Just because he speaks good English doesn't mean he is a good diplomat. What a loose talker!!

Adam Wednesday, 27 September 2023 03:46 PM

I am sure President Wickremasinghe would say that it is not the Sri Lanka governments official view. The statement by Ali Sabry was his personal view. Its going to be an embarrassing situation to the foreign minister for talking out of turn. Canada is not a safe heaven for Terrorist. Its a safe heaven for the students who are migrating for studies, employment, and for economic reasons

Dr. Amila Kankanamge Wednesday, 27 September 2023 03:59 PM

Advice from Ali Sabri junior. Namal and Sabri son could become president and prime minister to develop SL.

N.Canags Wednesday, 27 September 2023 03:59 PM

This half educated minister doesn't know whether he is coming or going.

RAjapaksa Laundry service man - Ahamned Naseer Wednesday, 27 September 2023 04:35 PM

This fellow is washing the asses of Rajapaksa family and also MR.BEAN SRI LANK

Natalie Nanayaka Wednesday, 27 September 2023 04:50 PM

This guy is a typical useless politician only in it for his personal gain. So nobody cares what the imbecile has to say because his words are empty.

CEB Generation Engineer Wednesday, 27 September 2023 05:28 PM

Three if us from CEB went to Canada for one year on CIDA [Canadian Internationa; Development Agency ] funded program. My collogues on (i_ System Control, (ii) Mechanical Engineering

Kps Wednesday, 27 September 2023 05:40 PM

Don’t blame him. He must have said this with the advice of his Son.

Henry Mathiaz Wednesday, 27 September 2023 06:54 PM

Ali Sabry was a former lawyer to Rajapaksa, a person who knows where the stolen Sri Lankan money were hidden. Now, he has joined the House of thieves and making outrageous comments.

Ruwan Abeygunawardana Wednesday, 27 September 2023 06:55 PM

Ali Sabri did the correct thing. As a Canadian citizen, I would appreciate him. Canadian Prime Minister is always supporting international terrorism and gives a safe haven for separatist terrorists. Those terrorists grow there and send millions of dollars to terrorist organizations. PM never says a word for that. PM's time has numbered, and everyone in Canada is protesting against him now, people have come to know that he has funded $ 630 million for the Ukraine war. In Canada cost of living is extremely high, mortgage rates are skyrocketing, people are suffering and PM is behaving like a toddler. Not only India and Sri Lanka , but all the other countries should work together to expose the world that Canada supports international terrorism. Under Current PMs , the Canadian parliament has passed a law that Sri Lanka has genocide the Tamils, and one entire week they dedicated to teaching Tamil genocide to the school students. Our Sri Lankan people don't know anything about this

Jay Wednesday, 27 September 2023 07:45 PM

Truth has no sides. Trudeau is not Canada (MR/GR is not Sri Lanka) Anti-Sri Lankans in Canada, now led by Trudeau destroying our image. ...after all ... we have a Foreign Minister with a backbone!!

m f baksh Wednesday, 27 September 2023 08:31 PM

This guy is immature when it comes to international relationships. And he was not elected by the public in general election but selected by former president Nandasena.

Nafraz Cader Wednesday, 27 September 2023 08:58 PM

Ali Sabry is sick!! Is Sri Lanka in a stable position to take revenge on a G20 country who has a big Sri lankan diaspora who sends millions of dollars to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has millions of problems to be handled and solved. Please handle your own problems before poking to others problems. The whole story is like a Kindergarten kid trying to poke his nose and take side to a university student's issue.

Buddhist Wednesday, 27 September 2023 10:00 PM

"Ambanda" Sabri is an immature politician and a Foreign Minister. He does not understand the geo-political implications of his statement. Canada is a country that has not assisted SL recently unlike the assistance it provided under the Colombo Plan in the past. If only SL finds a way to work with Canada on Law and order and minority issues, Canada would be a major assistance provider and funder to SL. Unfortunately, the SL Politicians do not understand this.

Fernando Thursday, 28 September 2023 12:10 AM

Absolutely commendable on the part of the foreign minister. This Justin joker needs to know that he is a third class politician and would prostitute himself for any political votes... unfortunately it's not working for him as nature has proven. We don't need to beg for Canadian support on anything. First let the Canadian citizens throw Justin fellow out and bring about a more sensible leader to lead Canada.

Gemunu Dissanayake Thursday, 28 September 2023 07:56 AM

The Hon Foreign Minister, Ali Sabry has every right to criticize Canada because Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared that 19 May 2023, the day war ended in Sri Lanka 14 years ago, was the "Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day".

wickrama Wijayasiri Thursday, 28 September 2023 08:04 AM

Sabry is correct in his assessment. However, diplomats wait for the correct opportunity to get even, Until you find the opportune moment, manage your anger, which is not a hallmark of a successful diplomat. India does not need our 'catcalls' at this moment either. Trudeau has dug his hole, without anybody's help except for the terrorists being harbored in Canada who have already helped him to do that.

Roger Halliday Thursday, 28 September 2023 08:25 AM

Wali Sabri kiyana naluwa katawaraddagena Bailey Gahanawa. Trying to impress India, but they won't get carried away. This is one of our big problems. They are not from the civil service If a comedian , singer an actor can be a diplomat surely this guy could easily fit to be a foreign minister

Dakuneyaka Thursday, 28 September 2023 10:12 AM

The bottom line is that what Ali Sabry said is TRUE . Canada gave asylum

Chammika Wickramasuriya Monday, 02 October 2023 08:42 PM

Whatever the impact on foreign relations, I for one is really glad he had the courage to speak out. It was long over due.

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Why is Ali Sabry dragging Sri Lanka in the Indo-Canada conflict?

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