Statement by NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan (Scarborough – Rouge River) on the 6th anniversary of the end of the civil conflict in Sri Lanka

“On this, the sixth anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan civil war, I am proud to stand with New Democrats, Canadians across the country, and people around the world in renewing our commitment to the pursuit of truth, peace, justice, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

“It is with solemn commemoration that we mark the end of the brutal conflict that raged in Sri Lanka for twenty-six years, displaced hundreds of thousands, and killed between 80,000 and 100,000 women, men, and children. Even as the war came to an end, there were countless reports of war crimes, rape being used as a weapon of war, and other serious violations of human rights.

“We await the report of the United Nations High Commissioner expected in September. It is my hope that this report will begin a process for genuine accountability and substantive reforms.”