Tamil Canadians join millions of Canadians in welcoming President Obama’s visit to Canada, his first official foreign visit since becoming the 44th President of the United States of America. There are many pressing international issues, such as the global financial crisis, and domestic issues, such as building stronger trading relations between our two countries on the agenda. Perhaps the most pressing issue of concern for the half a million Tamils across North America is the current humanitarian crisis in the North and East of Sri Lanka.
“President Obama campaigned on the promise of change. This is possibly one of the first tests of the Obama administration’s ability to deliver on that promise in terms of the U.S. approach to foreign policy,” said David Poopalapillai, National Spokesperson for the Canadian Tamil Congress. “The Sri Lankan conflict has become one of the deadliest armed conflicts in modern history. The U.S. must take a greater leadership role in preventing this conflict from escalating further.”
Tamil Canadians also welcomed the statement by U.S. Secretary of State,
Hillary Clinton, on February 3, 2009, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. However, the Sri Lankan government has categorically rejected the notion of a ceasefire and has stepped up its military campaign against Tamils in the northeastern part off the island. The Canadian Tamil Congress is calling for greater international pressure on Sri Lanka to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law. The Sri Lankan conflict must be on the top of the agenda of international bodies such as the United Nations Security Council.
Following President Obama’s Canadian visit, Tamil Canadians and Tamil Americans will be holding a joint rally in the U.S. Capital to draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka and urge the Canadian and U.S. governments to pressure the Sri Lankan government to call for an immediate ceasefire. The rally will take place on February 20, from 11 AM to 4 P at the Ellipse in front of White House. Tens of thousands from across North America are expected to attend.
For further Information: Canadian Tamil Congress (416) 240-0078
“President Obama campaigned on the promise of change. This is possibly one of the first tests of the Obama administration’s ability to deliver on that promise in terms of the U.S. approach to foreign policy,” said David Poopalapillai, National Spokesperson for the Canadian Tamil Congress. “The Sri Lankan conflict has become one of the deadliest armed conflicts in modern history. The U.S. must take a greater leadership role in preventing this conflict from escalating further.”
Tamil Canadians also welcomed the statement by U.S. Secretary of State,
Hillary Clinton, on February 3, 2009, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. However, the Sri Lankan government has categorically rejected the notion of a ceasefire and has stepped up its military campaign against Tamils in the northeastern part off the island. The Canadian Tamil Congress is calling for greater international pressure on Sri Lanka to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law. The Sri Lankan conflict must be on the top of the agenda of international bodies such as the United Nations Security Council.
Following President Obama’s Canadian visit, Tamil Canadians and Tamil Americans will be holding a joint rally in the U.S. Capital to draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka and urge the Canadian and U.S. governments to pressure the Sri Lankan government to call for an immediate ceasefire. The rally will take place on February 20, from 11 AM to 4 P at the Ellipse in front of White House. Tens of thousands from across North America are expected to attend.
For further Information: Canadian Tamil Congress (416) 240-0078