PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday issued the following statement on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day:

“Fifteen years ago, the quarter-century-long armed conflict in Sri Lanka came to an end. Tens of thousands of Tamils tragically lost their lives, including at the massacre in Mullivaikal. To this day, many more remain missing, injured, or displaced. Today, we honour the victims, survivors, and their loved ones, who live with the lasting pain caused by this senseless violence.

“Two years ago, Canada’s Parliament unanimously voted to recognize May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. We will always advocate for justice and accountability for the crimes committed during the conflict, as well as for the hardships faced by all in Sri Lanka. In 2023, we imposed sanctions against four former Sri Lankan government officials in response to their violations of human rights in the country during the armed conflict.

“Canada is a strong defender of human rights in Sri Lanka. We are advancing our work with international partners to fully implement the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution adopted in October 2022, which calls for greater reconciliation, justice, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka. And we continue to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to respect freedom of religion, belief, and pluralism – essential values to build lasting peace.

“Today reminds us of our shared responsibility to stand up for human rights, justice, and accountability – values that cannot be taken for granted. Canada will never stop its work to protect human rights across the world. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite Canadians to join in honouring the victims of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. Together, let us reflect on how we can foster a better, more inclusive, and more peaceful world for everyone.”

CONSERVATIVE Leader Pierre Poilievre said: “Fifteen years ago, the Sri Lankan civil war came to a brutal, murderous end. Following decades of widespread and systematic targeting of Tamil civilians, the government’s attempts to remove and erase the Tamil people escalated to a full-scale massacre on the shores of Mullivaikkal. Tens of thousands of Tamils were senselessly murdered in an act of blatant genocide.

“On Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we join Tamil communities across Canada in grieving the unfathomable loss of life of the Mullivaikkal Massacre. It is also with immense sorrow that we reflect on the devastating impacts of the Sri Lankan civil war, which has continued to be the source of unimaginable pain for the survivors as they are repeatedly denied justice.

“Yet, despite suffering atrocities of the worst kind, the Tamil people continue to persevere. Here in Canada, Tamils have faithfully maintained the bonds of language, culture and religion that others sought to destroy, as they pursue freedom and justice for their countrymen in Sri Lanka.

“Today and every day, Conservatives have been proud to stand with the Tamil people in these efforts. Under the late Brian Mulroney, hundreds of thousands of Tamils were able to flee the horrific aftermath of Black July and find safety in Canada as refugees.

“Under Stephen Harper, Canada was the first country to boycott the Commonwealth Summit in Sri Lanka, inspiring other countries to stand up to the corrupt and genocidal Rajapaksa regime. And under my government, Conservatives will continue to call for the release of political prisoners in Sri Lanka and demand that the Rajapaksas answer for their war crimes.

“As we commemorate the past, we look to the future with renewed hope of peace, democracy and freedom for all in Sri Lanka. Never again.”

FEDERAL NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said: “Today, New Democrats remember the Mullivaikkal massacre. Fifteen years ago, tens of thousands of innocent lives were tragically lost in unspeakable acts of violence.

“The trauma of the conflict and loss of life is still felt today in Canada and around the world as the Tamil community continue to reflect on the tragedy.

“New Democrats stand in solidarity with the Tamil community in their struggle for justice, self-determination, and accountability.

“We were honoured to be a part of passing the motion to make May 18th Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day in the House of Commons and commit to doing more to uplift all of those persecuted.

“Together we will continue to pursue justice for families and survivors, stand up for human rights, and do what we can to ensure atrocities like this can never happen again.”