Tamil Genocide Remembrance Event Held at Canadian Parliament in Ottawa
An event commemorating May 18, recognized by participants as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, was held at the Parliament precinct in Ottawa on May 5.
The event was led by Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament Gary Anandasangaree and Member of Parliament Juvininder Nathan.
Representatives from public organizations and university student unions from the provinces of Ontario and Quebec also participated in the event.
In addition, several Liberal Party ministers, government MPs, and opposition parliamentarians attended the commemoration.
During the ceremony, floral tributes were paid at the Mullivaikkal memorial monument.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that the dedication of those who sacrificed their lives over several decades for the rights of the Tamil people, the Tamil language, self-determination, and the protection of their land and culture remains deeply significant.
He further stated that many people gathered at the event have continued to play an important role in pursuing accountability and justice since 2009, adding that the struggle for justice is ongoing and must continue across generations.
Anandasangaree also referred to Canada’s recognition in 2022 of May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, sanctions imposed on certain Sri Lankan state leaders, and Canada’s continued role in the core group supporting resolutions on Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Meanwhile, Montreal City Councillor Milanie Thiagarajah stated that May 18 marks a tragic day in Tamil history during which tens of thousands of people were killed, and noted that for Tamils in Canada, it remains a deeply personal historical memory. She added that the event is also viewed as a symbol of the Tamil struggle.
Opposition MP Garnett Genuis, who also attended the event, said that as a member of a community that had experienced genocide, he could understand the ongoing journey for justice faced by Tamils.
At the conclusion of the event, attendees were reportedly served Mullivaikkal kanji in remembrance of those affected during the final stages of the war.
