Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reaffirmed Canada’s recognition of the atrocities committed against Tamils in Sri Lanka as genocide, issuing an official statement marking Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day and honouring victims and survivors of the armed conflict.
In a statement released on 18 May, Carney said Canada joined “Tamil communities in Canada and around the world” in commemorating Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, whilst acknowledging the immense suffering endured by Tamils during the armed conflict in the Tamil homeland.
“The Sri Lankan civil war claimed tens of thousands of civilian lives over more than a quarter century,” the statement read.
“We honour the memory of those who lost their lives and stand with the survivors, families, and communities who endured profound suffering.”
Carney also highlighted the significant presence of the Tamil diaspora in Canada, noting that many Tamils had sought refuge in the country after fleeing violence and persecution in Sri Lanka.
“Canada is home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world, including many who came here seeking refuge from violence and persecution,” he stated.
Referring to Canada’s parliamentary recognition of the Tamil genocide, Carney noted that in 2022 the Canadian Parliament unanimously voted to recognise 18 May as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day and formally acknowledged that the atrocities committed against Tamils in Sri Lanka constituted genocide.
“In 2022, Canada’s Parliament unanimously voted to recognise May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day and recognise the atrocities committed against Tamils in Sri Lanka as genocide – reflecting an important step in acknowledging this painful history.”
The Canadian Prime Minister further stated that Canada would continue supporting international efforts aimed at accountability, human rights and lasting peace on the island.
“Canada will continue to support international efforts to advance accountability, uphold human rights, and promote lasting peace for people of the Island,” he said.
The statement concluded with Canada reaffirming its commitment to justice and remembrance.
“We reaffirm our commitment to human dignity and justice, and to ensuring that such grave violations of human rights are never ignored or forgotten.”
The statement comes as Tamils across the homeland and diaspora marked the 17th anniversary of the Mullivaikkal genocide, commemorating the tens of thousands of Tamil civilians massacred during the final stages of the Sri Lankan military offensive in 2009.