Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau called on the Government of Sri Lanka 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 he said over the past nine years, he has met many Tamil-Canadians personally affected by the war and their stories are 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 fulfill 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 realized, and that international and domestic commitments on accountability, transitional justice, and ending impunity are met,” he said.
Extending his deepest sympathy on the 9 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 recognize the important contributions that Tamil-Canadians make to our country and the adversity they have overcome.”
