Governor General praises Canadian-Sri Lankans as ‘dynamic’ community
Canada’s Governor General expressed concern over the situation in Sri Lanka, encouraging a reconciliation process following decades of ethnic unrest.
The Governor General received the credentials of Chitranganee Wagiswara, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka. (Picture by Sgt Serge Gouin, Rideau Hall)
“Canada is concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka and the well being of its people. We sincerely hope that the aspirations of all Sri Lankans are taken into account as your country prepares to enter power-sharing agreements,” said Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean during speech at a presentation of credentials ceremony for Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara. “Canada encourages a national reconciliation process in Sri Lanka now that the hostilities which have caused untold suffering in your country have ceased.”
The Governor General highlighted the importance of the large Sri Lankan community in Canada as a solid base for bilateral ties between the Commonwealth countries.
“Madam High Commissioner Wagiswara, Canada and Sri Lanka have forged a solid relationship based on our joint participation in the Commonwealth, development aid, and the existence of a dynamic community of Canadians of Sri Lankan origin. I am told it is the largest Sri Lankan community outside your country: over 200,000 Canadians are of Sri Lankan origin.”
Meanwhile, a statement from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs said it was “closely monitoring” the Jan. 26 Presidential elections in Sri Lanka.
$130,000 for Commonwealth election team
“The task ahead for President Rajapaksa and his government is to move forward expeditiously on national reconciliation and reconstruction. For its part, Canada will continue to support efforts in this direction,” said Foreign Affairs Canada in a statement.
“On the Presidential elections themselves, Canada provided $130,000 CAD in support to the Commonwealth Expert Team, led by former Jamaican Foreign Minister Mr. K D Knight, which monitored the elections.”
