The Sri Lankan government criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for what it called engaging in electoral vote bank politics by making an "outrageous allegation" of "genocide" during the island nation's armed conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which ended in 2009.

In a statement, Trudeau highlighted that Canada's Parliament unanimously voted to recognise May 18 as 'Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day'.

"We will consistently advocate for justice and accountability regarding the crimes committed during the conflict, alongside the hardships endured by all in Sri Lanka. In 2023, we imposed sanctions against four former Sri Lankan government officials in response to their human rights violations in the country during the armed conflict," Trudeau stated.

Trudeau affirmed Canada's commitment as a staunch advocate for human rights in Sri Lanka, emphasising Ottawa's ongoing efforts to encourage the Sri Lankan government to uphold fundamental values such as freedom of religion, belief, and pluralism – crucial elements in fostering enduring peace.

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a robust response to Trudeau's remarks, firmly dismissing the assertion of a purported "genocide" during the nation's civil conflict. The statement reiterated Sri Lanka's consistent stance in rejecting such allegations, emphasising that no authoritative body in Canada or elsewhere has made an impartial determination regarding the occurrence of genocide in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan government criticised Prime Minister Trudeau for endorsing false claims of genocide during the country's conflict with the LTTE. They warned that Trudeau's stance could harm communal harmony among Sri Lankan Canadians and disrupt efforts for national unity and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan government accused Canada of spreading misinformation and called for mutual respect in promoting peace. They criticised Canada's double standards in focusing disproportionately on Sri Lanka, attributing Prime Minister Trudeau's statements to electoral politics influenced by a small group of Sri Lankan-origin Canadians.

India criticised Canada for allowing political space to Khalistani separatist elements, suggesting that its vote bank holds more sway than its rule of law. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised India's commitment to freedom of speech but warned against supporting separatism or threatening foreign diplomats. Tensions escalated after Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year.

New Delhi dismissed Trudeau's accusations as "absurd" and "motivated," emphasising Canada's tolerance of pro-Khalistani elements. Sri Lanka highlighted LTTE's indiscriminate targeting of civilians and assassination of Tamil leaders. Despite economic challenges, Sri Lanka remains committed to reconciliation and peace efforts since the conflict's end in 2009.

The LTTE waged a 30-year military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland, which ended in 2009 with the Sri Lankan Army declaring victory after the death of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabakaran. Sri Lanka reports over 20,000 missing individuals from various conflicts, including the decades-long war with Lankan Tamils, resulting in at least 100,000 deaths.

Image source: Hindustan Times