Sri Lanka condemns Canadian ‘genocide monument’

• Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, has expressed strong objections to the opening of a “Tamil genocide monument” in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

• The monument, unveiled on May 10, is dedicated to the memory of Tamils killed in the war.

• The monument is part of a larger effort by Sri Lankan Tamils to reconcile and nationalize the country.

• The monument is part of a 16-year commemoration of the end of the civil war, with families demanding justice for the killing of civilians and enforced disappearance of thousands.

• Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, Leader of the Tamil National People’s Front, has questioned the government’s fear of facing an international independent criminal investigation.

• Despite the government’s promises of non-racism, Tamils are waiting for action on their pledges, including the release of military-held lands and a revival of the local economy.