Despite protests, ‘Tamil genocide monument’ inaugurated in Canada

A controversial monument, described by organizers as commemorating Tamil civilians killed in the final stages of Sri Lanka's civil war, was unveiled on Saturday at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada - despite repeated prior objections from the Sri Lankan government.

 

The 4.8-meter stainless steel structure, approved earlier this year by Brampton City Council, has drawn sharp criticism from Colombo.

 

Canadian Justice Minister Gary Anandasangaree defended the memorial, stating on social media that it honors "the thousands of innocent lives lost" and celebrates "the resilience of global Tamil communities."  

 

Meanwhile Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry has reportedly sought urgent details from its Ottawa High Commission about the inauguration. 

 

The diplomatic tension echoes August 2024, when then-Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned Canada's envoy to protest the monument's foundation stone ceremony, calling it a "false narrative."