Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on the anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War

May 15, 2015

TORONTO – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the sixth anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War:

“Today, we solemnly reflect on the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. We remember the lives shattered and lost during more than twenty-six years of violent conflict, and the displacement of thousands of civilians after the war. I have met many Tamil-Canadians personally affected by the war. To them, I extend my deepest sympathies and support.

“Despite the end of the armed conflict six years ago, peace has not yet been achieved in Sri Lanka. Thousands of civilians continue to live in makeshift camps, families have lost their properties to the army, those who surrendered have not been accounted, and thousands of civilians are in prison without charge or conviction. Moreover, documented reports of sexual violence perpetuated by the Sri Lankan armed security forces continue to surface.

“The Liberal Party of Canada has been resolute in its calls for an international, independent investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the armed conflict. We await the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, scheduled to be released in September, and we earnestly hope that it will pave the path for accountability in Sri Lanka.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I reaffirm our commitment to seeking accountability and justice for the many who have suffered the terrible consequences of this protracted war, and to working with the international community to pursue true and lasting peace on the island.”