Canada is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in Sri Lanka. Attacks on the security forces, civilians, and the assassination of Joseph Pararajasingham, Member of Parliament, are only the most recent and salient examples of a disturbing wave of violence which has been building for months.

Canada calls upon the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and all paramilitary groups, to abide by the recent appeal of the Co-Chairs of the Sri Lanka Donors’ Group and immediately halt such acts. These tactics only result in the devastating loss of innocent lives and continue to weaken the already fragile peace process.

Canada continues to maintain that the conflict can only be brought to an end through a peaceful, negotiated settlement and that such a solution must satisfy the legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankans, regardless of language, ethnicity or religion while preserving the country’s unity and territorial integrity. To this end, Canada urges both the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka to urgently engage in talks on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.