The Ottawa Tamil Association (OTA) will host its annual Tamil Heritage Month Gala on January 25, 2026, at the St. Elias Centre, 750 Ridgewood Avenue, Ottawa, Canada, to celebrate the rich heritage and achievements of the Canadian Tamil community. This formal dinner, running from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM EST, aims to foster networking among professionals, politicians, human rights activists, and community leaders while raising awareness about Sri Lanka’s genocide against Tamils and the pursuit of justice. With an expected attendance of 250–400 guests, the event provides a platform to showcase Tamil culture through high-quality programs, including traditional music, dance, and a keynote speech addressing human rights, genocide, and Tamil Eelam sovereignty. The gala also serves as a reunion for Tamils from Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and other cities, strengthening community ties in a professional, inclusive, and family-friendly environment.
The event is carefully planned for a memorable experience, featuring a structured agenda with a networking reception, short cultural performances, and a formal dinner with vegetarian and chicken options, complemented by Tamil traditional desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Key highlights include a keynote address, speeches from dignitaries such as MPs and MPPs, and a special video presentation. A Tamil Heritage display area will showcase traditional instruments, history-related books, and publications, reinforcing cultural pride and education. Additionally, a dedicated space will allow businesses and entrepreneurs to promote their innovations and services. Sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $500 to $3,000, provide brand promotion across social media, event materials, and broadcasts, ensuring visibility for supporters of this significant community event.
The gala underscores the OTA’s commitment to advocating for justice regarding Sri Lanka’s genocide against Tamils, a cause it has championed since 2014. By collaborating with organizations such as the Federation of Global Tamil Organizations (FGTO), the Tamil Genocide Memorial (TGM), and the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA), the OTA amplifies its message of human rights and community resilience. For more details or to purchase tickets, contact info@ottawatamilassociation.ca or visit https://ottawatamilassociation.ca/thm.
The list of keynote speeches since 2017 can be found in the following YouTube playlist (https://www.youtube.com/@ottawatamil/playlists)
2025 – Dr.Thusiyan Nandakumar has been an editor at the Tamil Guardian since 2011, a news website reporting on current affairs in Sri Lanka and internationally. He works closely with Tamil journalists on the island and has facilitated workshops in Jaffna on investigative journalism. He is a regular commentator on politics in Sri Lanka, having appeared on the BBC, CBC, TRT and other media outlets around the world. He has also contributed pieces for the Polis Project, The National, The Diplomat, The Wire, and MedAct. He authored a chapter in ‘Digital Technology and Journalism: He is currently a medical doctor in London, UK and guest lectures on the intersection of conflict and health at Imperial College London. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvt58GYQoEQ
2024 – Mr. Rajeev Sreetharan on Justice for Tamil Genocide in Sri Lanka – A Legal Roadmap. Rajeev Sreetharan is an author, artist, engineer, and corporate attorney. Rajeev is also a co-founder of Third Eye, and provides pro bono counsel in the practice areas of genocide, international humanitarian law (IHL), and international human rights law (IHRL) to selected NGOs and grass-roots organizations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YoPUueveRI
2023 – Mr Lorenzo Fiorito on Tamil Genocide by Sri Lankan Government. Mr. Lorenzo Fiorito is a lawyer and advocate for Eelam Tamil human rights. He has written for community media on Tamil issues for a decade and has participated in lobbying efforts at the UN Human Rights Council. He holds an LLM in international dispute resolution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwCbX4_sfas
2022 – Prof. Joseph Chandrakanthan, is a professor at the University of Toronto and co-author of Tamils’ Identity and Aspirations. On completing his doctoral studies in Canada, he returned to the University of Jaffna and was the founding Head of the Department of Christian and Islamic Studies. He chaired a session in the Tamil Liberation Struggle for Self-determination: 20 Years After the Ceasefire Agreement (2002- 2022). https://youtu.be/RwkVdbuHMgg
2021 – Dr.Kumaravadivel Guruparan, a former senior lecturer at the University of Jaffna and current Research Visitor at the University of Oxford. He is also a practicing attorney that has been a part of many lead counsels in cases regarding human rights crimes and humanitarian law issues in Sri Lanka. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru4frWyasg8
2020 – Prof Ramu Manivannan, the Head of the Department of Politics and Public Administration of the University of Madras. His voluminous work on the international crimes committed by the Sri Lanka State in and around Mullivaaikaal is titled ‘Sri Lanka: Hiding the Elephant’ Documenting War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity and Genocide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLBB9txEkgw
2019 – Prof. Richard Mann, associate dean of social science at Carleton University and his essay was recently presented at the Second International Conference on Tamil Nationhood and Genocide in Sri Lanka, which took place at Carleton University in Ottawa, in May 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwM7pCq1HYs
2018 – Dr. Brian Seneviratne, the guest of honor is a recognized Human Rights Activist and author. He delivered his speech via a video message from Australia. https://youtu.be/UB3qDBGepI8
2017 – Dr Varatharaja Thurairaja – Dr. Vararatharajah who is a living witness to the genocide committed against the voiceless Tamils in Eelam during the final days of the genocidal war. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_uXuOJ2cYg, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBdO1ZJKPC8
Previous year event link:
2025: Tamil Heritage Month Gala 2025
2024: Tamil Heritage Month Gala 2024
2023: Tamil Heritage Month Gala 2023
2022: Tamil Heritage Month Gala 2022
2021: Tamil Heritage Month Gala 2021
2020: Tamil Heritage Month Gala 2020