CTC Strongly Condemns the Burning of Effigies and Pictures of TNA Leaders

February 26, 2015.

CTC Strongly Condemns the Burning of Effigies and Pictures of TNA Leaders

The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) strongly condemns the burning of effigies and images of TNA leaders, Mr. Sampanthan and Mr. Sumanthiran. We believe these acts are aimed at weakening the democratically elected leadership of Tamil people in Sri Lanka and thereby silencing the democratic wishes of Tamil people.

In the last presidential elections, the Tamil people voted in large numbers to bring about change, as per the advice of these very TNA leaders. In the past few weeks, they have started working with the new Sri Lankan government and international community to address the many issues faced by Tamils, some of which have been in existence since the independence of Sri Lanka 67 years ago. This work is without doubt, very difficult and the path ahead poses many challenges. Mr. Sampanthan and Mr. Sumanthiran have been acting in a very responsible manner, building trust among the communities in Sri Lanka with the ultimate goal of resolving the problems faced by Tamils in Sri Lanka.

CTC believes that this democratically elected Tamil leadership should be given space and support to perform without any distractions including these irresponsible and meaningless acts of burning effigies. CTC therefore urges Tamil Canadians and Tamil Diaspora to extend their support to the TNA leadership at this crucial time.

For more information, please contact (416)240-0078.