Marking the 39th anniversary of Black July, an anti-Tamil pogrom that saw the slaughter of an estimated 30,000 Tamils, Canadian politicians have issued statements commemorating the tragedy.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated:
Black July was horrific and violent – and the ensuing conflict was devastating. On this anniversary, we remember the Tamils whose lives were lost, those who were displaced, and those who suffered. My full statement: https://t.co/6LPKAZtE6R
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 23, 2022
In his statement, he detailed how the Canadian government "implemented a Special Measures program to respond to the violence in Sri Lanka, which helped more than 1,800 Tamils resettle in Canada".
"I have had the privilege of meeting many Tamil Canadian survivors of Black July and have been moved by their harrowing experiences of loss, displacement, and resilience. Canada is now home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world, and we thank Tamil Canadians for contributing so greatly to making Canada the strong, vibrant, and inclusive place it is today" he added.
Commenting on the political crisis, Trudeau called on "Sri Lanka’s government to promote democracy and human rights and maintain the rule of law as it works to address this crisis, and undertake the necessary reforms for a peaceful, prosperous, and reconciled Sri Lanka".
He further stressed "the need to ensure that the rights to protest and a free press are protected during these difficult times".
Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on Twitter:
Canada stands with the Tamil community in remembering Black July and the lives lost to anti-Tamil pogroms.
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) July 23, 2022
Following these events, over 1,800 Tamils sought refuge in Canada. We honour their conviction and contributions in the face of such adversary. https://t.co/i4YwETWkkf
Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade and Economic Development, stated on Twitter:
39 years ago, thousands of Tamils were killed, and countless others were displaced during Black July and the ensuing conflict.
— Mary Ng (@mary_ng) July 23, 2022
I join them, and those around the world who mourn the loss of loved ones and the wounds Black July left. https://t.co/Na8pGof1MK
Anita Anand, MP for Oakville and Minister of National Defence, marked the memorial stating:
On the anniversary of Black July, we honour and remember the thousands of lives lost in the 1983 anti-Tamil riots in Colombo, Sri Lanka. These riots sparked 26 years of armed conflict in which tens of thousands more lost their lives.
— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) July 23, 2022
Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity & Inclusion, stated on Twitter:
Today, we join the Tamil community to remember the victims of the horrific events of #BlackJuly.
— Ahmed Hussen (@HonAhmedHussen) July 23, 2022
Tens of thousands were killed & many were forced into exile. We continue to stand with all those affected by this tragedy & recommit to building a safer future, for everyone. pic.twitter.com/bmea0MYQzW
Gary Anandasangaree, Member of Parliament, Scarborough—Rouge Park, commemorated Black July, stating:
To day we solemnly remember the beginning of Black July in #SriLanka, where a state-sponsored pogrom was launched against the Tamil People.
— Gary Anandasangaree (@gary_srp) July 23, 2022
As we acknowledge the immense pain of the survivors and those lost, let us also be inspired by their unwavering thirst for justice. pic.twitter.com/f7PoESDxTa
Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, marked the event stating on Twitter:
Today, Tamil people across the world mark the 39th anniversary of #BlackJuly.
— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownont) July 23, 2022
In July 1983, the Sri Lankan state premeditated a week of anti-Tamil pogroms & acts of horrifying violence against innocent Tamil civilians.
We will not forget #BlackJuly1983. #tamilgenocide pic.twitter.com/bcwLfZr1vm
Vijay Thanigasalam, MPP for Scarborough-Rouge Park & Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure, stated on Twitter:
This year, Tamil people across the world mark the 39th anniversary of #BlackJuly.
— Vijay Thanigasalam (@The_VijayT) July 23, 2022
In July 1983, the Sri Lankan state premeditated a week of anti-Tamil pogroms and violent riots against the Tamil people.
We will not forget #BlackJuly1983.#TamilGenocide pic.twitter.com/DtJjbzCYSu
Iqra Khalid, Member of Parliament for Mississauga, stated on Twitter:
Today I join the Mississauga Erin Mills Tamil community to mourn thousands of lives lost and countless displaced people 39 years ago, during black July and the ensuing conflict. Human rights matter.
— Iqra Khalid (@iamIqraKhalid) July 23, 2022
Kamal Khera, Member of Parliament for Brampton West, stated on Twitter:
On this date, we remember the victims of the horrible events of #BlackJuly that occurred 39 years ago in #SriLanka, costing thousands of lives & destroying homes & businesses owned by Tamils.
— Kamal Khera (@KamalKheraLib) July 23, 2022
We join the Tamil community to remember the lives lost, displaced & those who suffered. https://t.co/joMiemNejC