Canadian PM calls for lasting peace and true reconciliation in Sri Lanka

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on the Sri Lanka Government to establish a process of accountability that has the trust and confidence of the survivors.

Issuing a statement on the ninth anniversary of the end of the war in Sri Lanka, Trudeau said over the past nine years he had met many Tamil-Canadians personally affected by the war and their stories were a “solemn reminder of the need to attain lasting peace and true reconciliation.”

He said the war, which lasted over 26 years, resulted in immeasurable injuries, loss of life and displacement. 

“The wounds of this war linger as the survivors seek answers for their loss, including family members and loved ones who have disappeared.”

Reiterating his call to establish a process of accountability that has the trust and confidence of the survivors, Trudeau offered Canada’s full support to the Sri Lankan Government to fulfil its commitments to the victims and to the international community.

“Canada offers its full support to the Government of Sri Lanka and those working to ensure that efforts towards reconciliation, non-recurrence, peace and justice on the island are realised, and that international and domestic commitments on accountability, transitional justice and ending impunity are met,” he said.

Extending his deepest sympathy on the ninth year anniversary to Canadians of Tamil descent, and all victims of the armed conflict and their families, Trudeau invited all Canadians to “take time to recognise the important contributions that Tamil-Canadians make to our country and the adversity they have overcome.”