On May 10, 2025, a historic event took place in Brampton, Canada, with the inauguration of the Tamil Genocide Monument at Chinguacousy Park. This milestone coincided with the start of Tamil Genocide Education Week, resonating deeply with the Tamil diaspora and advocates for justice worldwide. The memorial honours the victims of the Tamil genocide by the Sri Lankan government and strengthens the call for international accountability.
The Ottawa Tamil Association (OTA) expressed profound gratitude to Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Brampton City Councillors, the National Council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT), and everyone involved in this significant project. The OTA pledged its full support for the memorial.
This year marks Canada’s third official Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. Recent key milestones include Ontario’s Tamil Genocide Education Week Act in 2021, the Canadian Parliament’s unanimous recognition of May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day in 2022, and its proclamation by the Canadian Prime Minister in 2023. Despite these steps, justice for the Tamil genocide remains elusive, 16 years after the atrocities. History shows that unpunished genocides can lead to more, highlighting the urgency of this cause.
A new booklet, released by the OTA and partner organizations, details the Sri Lankan state’s genocide against Tamils in the Vanni Region from 2006 to 2010. It describes how the Sri Lankan Army systematically targeted Tamils as an ethnic group, using “No-Fire Zones” as kill boxes, spreading disinformation, employing heavy artillery, denying essentials like food and medicine, and “disappearing” military-age Tamils during and after surrender. The booklet draws parallels to historical genocides, noting the lack of UN oversight and Sri Lanka’s use of post-9/11 counterterrorism narratives to mask its intent to destroy Tamils as a group. It urges a comprehensive re-evaluation of evidence to pursue justice at the International Court of Justice.
The Tamil Genocide Memorial is a powerful tribute to those who suffered and died, while celebrating the resilience of survivors. It symbolizes the Tamil community’s unwavering pursuit of justice and unity, serving as a global reminder of their struggle. The monument not only commemorates the immense suffering but also demands accountability for the atrocities committed, reflecting the Tamil people’s determination to seek justice.
The 4.8-meter-tall stainless steel memorial features an outline of the Tamil Eelam map, representing the Tamil people’s ancestral homeland in Sri Lanka. Supported by two hands, it boldly affirms the Tamil Eelam people’s right to self-determination and sovereignty—a truth the world cannot ignore.
Ottawa Tamil Association | info@ottawatamilassociation.ca |ottawatamilassociation.ca
More Details:
https://tamilconferences.org/conferences/self_determination/#tab-f94978f915d55df5e40
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