Canada questions motive behind diaspora bans, says will not help reconciliation
 08 April 2014

Canada on Monday expressed concern over Sri Lanka’s motive in proscribing fifteen Tamil diaspora groups and over 400 individuals, saying the move would not help post-war reconciliation in which diaspora Tamils had an important role. A spokesperson from Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development (DFATD) told Tamil Guardian: “We are concerned about the motives of the Government of Sri Lanka in taking this action and regret that this will not help advance genuine post-conflict reconciliation, a process in which diaspora communities have an important role to play." "We are particularly concerned about the effect of this order on freedom of speech and association in Sri Lanka," he added. Noting that some of the individuals and entities listed resided in Canada, the spokesperson made assurances regarding the exercise of freedom of speech by the Tamil community within Canada. “The Sri Lankan government’s actions do not constrain the freedom of these groups and individuals to express their views in Canada,” he said. Commenting that the Government of Sri Lanka had not shared the information or evidence to support Sri Lanka’s domestic terror listing with the Canadian government, the spokesperson added,  "The Government of Canada is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms. We listed the LTTE in 2006 and the World Tamil Movement in 2008 as terrorist organizations under the Criminal Code of Canada." Speaking in Parliament yesterday, the Canadian Minister of  Foreign Affairs, John Baird, said, “We are deeply concerned that Canadians have been identified and singled out for attention as has the government of Canada. We remain focused on doing all we can to help the Tamil minority to live in peace and security with their neighbours.” See more here.Canadian government pledges to work towards Tamil community's peace and security 07 April 2014

Commenting on Sri Lanka's proscription of Tamil diaspora groups, the Canadian Minister of  Foreign Affairs, John Baird, said today his government would remain focused on helping the Tamil community live with peace and security. Responding to questions on whether the government would stand up for Canadians targeted in the Sri Lankan proscriptions, the minister said, “We are deeply concerned that Canadians have been identified and singled out for attention as has the government of Canada. We remain focused on doing all we can to help the Tamil minority to live in peace and security with their neighbours.”