Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and politicians across the country have issued statements to mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating the tens of thousands of Tamils massacred by the Sri Lankan state in May 2009 and renewing calls for accountability, truth and justice.
Newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney published the following statement this morning:
“On this Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we remember the lives lost – the families torn apart, the communities devastated, and those who remain missing to this day. We also think of Canada’s Tamil community, who carry with them the memory of loved ones, and the many remembrance services planned across Canada.
Canada continues to support independent international efforts to seek accountability and push for truth and justice.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, let it strengthen our resolve to act in tribute, with courage, and for lasting peace.”
In May 2022, the Canadian parliament formally recognised May 18th as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, becoming the first country in the world to do so.
The Canadian government also implemented sanctions against Sri Lankan officials implicated in war crimes and human rights violations in January 2023, including against former presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Political leaders at different levels, from across the country, released statements marking Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day.
Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party, released the following statement:
“Everyone, looking back on their history, remembers both the proud moments and the painful. On Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we turn our thoughts to one of the great tragedies of the past century—the Tamil genocide.
For decades, Sri Lanka was racked by violence and bloodshed. Having already endured years of suffering, the murder of tens of thousands of Tamil civilians at Mullivaikkal in May 2009 stands out as a moment of unique horror and brutality. This was not just a massacre—it was a genocide.
Sixteen years later, we honour the victims and recognize the urgent need for justice. The Rajapaksa regime’s war crimes must not be forgotten, nor its perpetrators left unpunished. Canada must take stronger action and demand accountability. Canada must never be a safe haven for war criminals. A Common Sense Conservative government will work to ensure those responsible for the Tamil genocide face real consequences.
The Tamil community in Canada has shown incredible resilience, turning pain into strength and enriching our country. As we remember the victims of this genocide, we also reaffirm our commitment to justice and a peaceful future for all.
I am proud of the way that Prime Minister Stephen Harper stood up to the Rajapaksa regime. I will continue the fight to make them answer for their crimes – including pushing for their prosecution at the International Criminal Court – and for the release of those unjustly imprisoned by the Sri Lankan state. A Conservative government under my leadership will ensure Canada leads the fight for truth, justice, and lasting peace.”
Tamil politician, Vijay Thanigasalam, Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough-Rouge Park, stated:
“Today, Tamil people in Canada and across the world mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. In May 2009, the state of Sri Lanka orchestrated a heightened program of genocide - targeting no-fire zones and hospitals and denying food and medicine to people in #Mullivaikkal. Today, we honour the countless innocent lives lost in the #TamilGenocide and reaffirm our commitment to ensure that history never repeats itself. We must never remain silent, we must continue to share their stories.”
Randeep Sarai, newly appointed Secretary of State for International Development, added, "Today on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we honour the memory of the tens of thousands of Tamil civilians who were killed during the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. We stand in solidarity with the Tamil community in Canada as they continue to seek justice, truth, and accountability.
Tim Hodgson, newly appointed Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, wrote, “Today, on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we honour the victims and stand in solidarity with Tamil Canadians remembering their loved ones. Sixteen years after the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, we continue to call for justice, accountability, and lasting peace.”
Salma Zahid, MP for Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East, stated, “On Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, I join the Prime Minister and all Canadians in remembering those who lost their lives, and the lasting trauma that remains today. Let us commit to remembrance, to justice, and to healing.”
Fares Al Soud, MP for Mississauga Centre, wrote, “On Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, I join the Prime Minister and all Canadians in remembering those who lost their lives, and the lasting trauma that remains today. Let us commit to remembrance, to justice, and to healing.”
Sameer Zuberi, MP for Pierrefonds–Dollard, added, “Today, on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we mark 16 years since the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka and the massacre at Mullivaikkal. We honour all lives lost and those who carry the memory of loved ones — and stand firm in the call for justice and accountability.
Rob Oliphant, MP for Don Valley West, wrote, “Today, on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we remember the tens of thousands of Tamils who were killed during the Mullivaikkal genocide 16 years ago. Canada is committed to honouring victims and survivors of this senseless conflict as we advocate for justice and accountability.”
Iqwinder Gaheer, MP for Mississauga-Malton, stated, “Today is Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. We honour the memory of the tens of thousands of Tamil civilians who lost their lives during the Sri Lankan armed conflict. We stand in solidarity with the Tamil community in Canada for their calls for justice, truth, and accountability.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown issued the following statement:
“Today, we mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating 16 years since the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka in which the government committed a mass genocide against the Tamil people. Many survivors fled and escaped to Canada for safety.
We remember the lives lost, the families shattered and the communities forever impacted. We stand with Brampton and Canada’s Tamil community, who continue to carry the weight of this pain and the memory of loved ones.
This year holds special significance as Brampton is now home to the Tamil Genocide Memorial Monument – a powerful symbol of remembrance. The monument stands as a reminder of the past and a call to action for a future built on truth, accountability and peace. We hope for a day when the Rajapaksa regime’s war criminals are finally held accountable for their crimes against humanity. Let us honour the victims by committing ourselves to justice, to remembrance, and to standing together in solidarity — today and always.”
The City of Brampton also published the following statement on X: “We recognize May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day and May 12 to May 18 as Tamil Genocide Education Week. The City of Brampton stands in solidarity with the Tamil community. Your culture, leadership and pursuit of justice continue to shape and strengthen our city.”
Jamaal Myers, Toronto City Councillor for Scarborough North, wrote, “Today on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we stand with Toronto’s Tamil community—the largest outside of Sri Lanka—to honour the lives lost during the civil war. We remember the victims, support the survivors, and stand together in hope for healing and peace.”