Canadian MP Parm Gill Expresses Concern Regarding Abuses of Civil Liberties in Sri Lanka

(Lanka-e-News -18.Dec.2012, 3.15PM) Member of Parliament Parm Gill expressed concern over the arrests and detention of student demonstrators at Jaffna University in Sri Lanka, and the violation of civil liberties that has occurred. “A number of my constituents have expressed their concerns about the events that have taken place at Jaffna University,” said MP Gill. “I share their concerns for the treatment of the students involved.” “As Canadians, we take basic civil liberties such as freedom of speech, conscience, and association, for granted. I urge the Sri Lankan Government to respect the right of their citizens to free, peaceful assembly and the right to express themselves.” MP Gill joins with other members of the Government, including Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, in calling for a peaceful resolution to the protests and resulting unrest at Jaffna University.

Earlier this month, Minister Baird called on the Sri Lankan government to, “Finally put the people of that country first.” MP Gill extended his thoughts to those affected by these recent events, and implores the international community to put pressure on the government of Sri Lanka to ensure the rights of all involved are protected.