May 18, 2024
Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day:
“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.”