The Tamil Youth Organisation – Canada has expressed its gratitude to the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, for rejecting Sri Lanka’s proscription of several diaspora groups, including TYO.

A statement released by the organisation praised the Canadian government for confirming that the ban has no legal effect in Canada, and that the government showed “genuine concern for the wellbeing of its citizens”.

“The proscription of entities and individuals that continuously showcase their determination for the liberation of the Tamil homeland has always been a tactic used by the Government of Sri Lanka. Exploiting the legal system in order to deny the Tamil people basic human rights is a method the Sri Lankan government used consistently throughout history,” the statement further said.

“Acknowledging that the lives of Canadian citizens may be at risk if they were to seek entry into Sri Lanka is the first step to accepting the fact that the Government of Sri Lanka is indeed an illegitimate system that continues to plague the island, especially the Tamil people. Further, Canada’s warning is one that should be commended, as it is one of the first governments to condemn Sri Lanka on its constant illegal practices. TYO-Canada is proud of its nation’s stance on the issue and will continue to stand by Canada’s decisions to oppose and overcome injustices that continue to exist across the globe."