Canadian Tamil Congress calls for Decisive Action on Sri Lanka

November 9, 2018.

The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) condemns Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena for unconstitutionally effecting the dissolution of the Sri Lankan parliament today. Two weeks earlier, President Sirisena had unconstitutionally attempted to appoint former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister. When it became apparent that that unconstitutional coup d’état would fail, the President resorted to even more drastic measures.

The current President of Sri Lanka has persistently rejected calls by civil societies, minorities, western democracies, India and international organizations to refrain from the current political course which violates the rule of law, constitutionality and international norms. This political course will undoubtedly return Sri Lanka back into a period of fear and chaos.

CTC calls on the international community to take immediate and decisive action, including possible diplomatic and economic sanctions to return Sri Lanka to democracy and the rule of law. This is the only path to ensure peace, justice, security and equality for all.

The Tamil community in Canada is extremely concerned. The Canadian Tamil Congress urges the Canadian government to take immediate steps to suspend Sri Lanka’s membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.

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