Sri Lanka strongly protests Tamil genocide monument in Canada, summons Canadian HC

Colombo, August 17 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned the Canadian High Commissioner yesterday to formally protest the laying of the foundation stone for a so-called Tamil Genocide Monument at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada on August 14.

During the meeting, Minister Sabry expressed Sri Lanka’s strongest objections to the monument, reiterating concerns that had been previously conveyed to Canadian authorities. He emphasised that the Government of Sri Lanka categorically rejects what it describes as a "false narrative" of genocide, which it claims is being perpetuated for political gain within Canada.

Minister Sabry said that the decision by the City Council of Brampton to support the construction of the monument is offensive to peace-loving people in both Canada and Sri Lanka. He further asserted that the genocide allegations are based on "malicious disinformation" and lack validation from any responsible national or international authority.

The Government of Sri Lanka has consistently engaged in efforts to foster reconciliation and build lasting peace following the end of the conflict despite the economic crisis in the country for the last two years, and such divisive action undermines those efforts by glorifying terrorism and sowing discord and mistrust which democratic countries, including Sri Lanka and Canada, cannot endorse, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Minister Sabry called on the Government of Canada to intervene and prevent the construction of the monument, highlighting the potential damage to bilateral relations. He urged for immediate action to mitigate further harm and preserve the integrity of diplomatic ties between the two nations.