The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, regarding the unveiling on 10 May 2025 in Brampton, Canada, of the “Tamil Genocide Memorial,” I make this Special Statement on behalf of the Minister of Defence.

¶ 02 This is not an isolated act but follows a trajectory since 2021, when two Canada-based Tamil organizations formed the “Tamil Genocide Memorial (TGM)” and the Brampton City Council passed related resolutions. Our Consulate General in Toronto lodged objections with the provincial Intergovernmental Affairs Minister. In 2023, Brampton approved the project to design, install, and maintain the memorial, allocating space in Chinguacousy Park; foundation work commenced on 14 August 2024, and the unveiling occurred on 10 May 2025. The City provided significant administrative and institutional support; several mayors and political party representatives reportedly attended.

¶ 03 Since 2021, the Government of Sri Lanka—through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our High Commission in Canada, and the Consulate General—has consistently protested and taken available measures. Despite efforts, the unveiling proceeded.

¶ 04 Going forward, preventing similar actions and closing avenues that enable them is our responsibility. Following the unveiling, the Minister of Foreign Affairs summoned the Canadian High Commissioner in Colombo and reiterated that allegations of “genocide” during the final phase of Sri Lanka’s conflict have not been established by any credible national or international authority; that narratives are based on misinformation; and that Sri Lanka cannot agree with initiatives like Canada’s awareness proclamations on “genocide.”

¶ 05 Sri Lanka has, since 2021, urged the Canadian Federal Government to intervene to prevent Brampton’s actions. Notwithstanding repeated objections, the memorial has been completed—regrettably. At a time when the National People’s Power Government is working earnestly for inter-ethnic reconciliation, such initiatives risk rekindling division and undermine Sri Lanka’s genuine efforts for national harmony and lasting peace.

¶ 06 The Canadian High Commissioner responded that the memorial is not a Federal project but one funded by private parties, with the Brampton Mayor closely engaged; under Canada’s system, municipalities have autonomous powers. No Federal representative attended the opening. However, we note with concern that Canada’s new Prime Minister recently made a proclamation regarding a “Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day,” to which we have lodged strong diplomatic protest.

¶ 07 We will continue to take all necessary diplomatic steps to challenge unfounded genocide narratives, prevent the institutionalization of such memorials, and safeguard inter-communal harmony.