Channel 4 Documentary "Sri Lanka's Killing Fields" screened at Canadian Parliament

Emotions were high at the conclusion of the screening of Channel 4 documentary "Sri Lanka's Killing Fields" in Canadian Parliament today. Approximately 20 MP's along with their staff were present for the screening. The attendees who watched the Channel 4 documentary were all shocked at what they had just witnessed and had never imagined such horrendous events would take place on the tiny island of Sri Lanka. From the many conversations that were taking place afterwards, it was clear that perpetrators had to be held accountable and Canada indeed has to take a leadership role.

NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan (Scarborough-Rouge River), Conservative Party MP Patrick Brown (Barrie) and Liberal Party MP John McKay (Scarborough-Guildwood) co-hosted the screening.

Elaine Pearson, Deputy Director (Asia Division) of Human Rights Watch who presented the event said "only an independent investigation from the international community, not one held by LLRC will bring justice and accountability of the Sri Lankan government. Canada must lobby other like minded nations, like India, Indonesia in the upcoming UN Human Rights Council in March 2012."

“I’m very pleased that all parties came together to host this event. This issue runs deeper than political ties, and it is very important we all work together to raise awareness of this issue and to engage in an open dialogue concerning the atrocities that took place in Sri Lanka.” said Rathika Sitsabaiesan MP for Scarborough-Rouge River.

Conservative Party MP for Barrie, Patrick Brown said he has been aware of the situation in Sri Lanka through his constituents and will continue to advocate for accountability and justice.

"I have watched the documentary several times, and it has always been difficult to watch. Canada is a nation that values human rights and Canada bears responsibility to the 300,000 Tamil Canadians here." said John McKay, Liberal Party MP for Scarborough-Guildwood.

Some photos from the event

Courtesy: TamilCanadian
Published on: Sep 29, 2011 3:14:04 GMT