Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on the Anniversary of the End of the Sri Lankan Civil War

May 18, 2014

OTTAWA – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement in recognition of the fifth anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War on May 18, 2009:

“Today, on the anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War, we remember and honour the lives that were lost during more than two and a half decades of terrible conflict.

“While the war may have ended five years ago, we must acknowledge that peace in the region has not yet been settled; there is still much work to be done.

“The Liberal Party of Canada has long called for an international, independent investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Sri Lankan Civil War. The recent decision of the UN Human Rights Council to conduct an independent and international inquiry into these alleged human rights abuses is a positive starting point. We sincerely hope that the Sri Lankan government will cooperate with the investigation.

“I have spent time with the Tamil-Canadians across the country on many occasions, and I remain committed to achieving accountability and justice for the many who have suffered the awful consequences of this protracted war. We must be vigilant in working with the international community to pursue true and lasting peace in the region.

“Canada is a multicultural country, rich in both diversity and compassion. As a society, we all stand with our Tamil-Canadian brothers and sisters as they solemnly recognize this anniversary. Today we reiterate our commitment to fighting the abuse of human rights around the world, both in times of war and in times of peace.”